Port Vale v Oldham Athletic preview
Port Vale v Oldham Athletic preview: it’s a huge game for the Valiants as they look to earn an invaluable three points.
We preview the action…
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Match details:
Teams: Port Vale v Oldham Athletic
Competition: League Two
Venue: Vale Park stadium
Kick-off: Tuesday 9th March, 7pm
Form guide:
Vale are slowly slipping into the danger zone and desperately need a win to arrest their poor form. It’s now six games since the side’s last win and two home games since victory. Oldham’s form isn’t great either but they have at least managed a win in their last away game – at Carlisle.
Port Vale team news:
After an impressive cameo on Saturday, Vale may be tempted to start with loanee Will Swan especially as Kurtis Guthrie’s goalless run has now stretched to ten games in a Vale shirt. If so, it could that mean a return to a 3-5-2 formation for Vale with Alex Hurst and Zak Mills potentially operating as wingbacks. The game is likely to be too soon for the injured James Gibbons, Cristian Montano, David Amoo, Tom Pope and David Worrall.
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Legge, Smith, Crookes – Mills, Joyce, Conlon, Taylor, Hurst – Rodney, Swan
One to watch:
Not one player this time but the whole team. It’s vital that every single player puts in the required effort – the supporters require nothing less.
Opposition manager:
Vacant. The Vale’s opponents go into this game managerless after the recent departure of Harry Kewell.
Opposition team:
Ian Lawlor has been the regular starter between the sticks with veteran Nicky Adams another well-known face in midfield. Top scorer in the League is Connor McAleney with twelve goals.
Connections:
Port Vale defender Zak Mills could well play against his former side after coming into the side for the injured James Gibbons. Mills made 29 appearances for the Latics last season scoring a solitary goal. However, it’s unlikely that Vale winger Cristian Montano (pictured) will face his former side as he is injured. It’s a similar story for former Oldham loanee David Worrall who is also injured. Lining up on the opposing side could be Callum Whelan who spent a loan spell with Vale in 2019 albeit without making an appearance.
Some of the other players to appear for both sides in recent seasons include: defender Gareth Owen, striker Craig Davies and defender Dan Jones. Going back a little further, striker Albert Pynegar had a lengthy spell with Oldham and won promotion with the Valiants during the 1929-30 season.
Last time we met:
It was a different story earlier in the season when the Valiants recorded an away win to boost their chances of a push into the play-offs. The Vale scorers on the day were defender Nathan Smith (pictured) and loanee Mitch Clark. The last home game between the two sides ended in a 0-0 draw the previous season.
The stats:
Overall record: 33 Port Vale win | 29 Port Vale loss | 20 draws
From the archives…
Port Vale 3-2 Oldham Athletic, 1997
Back in April 1997 there was a five goal thriller with the Valiants ending on top. Vale took the lead through Tony Naylor only for Shaun Garnett to make it 1-1 at the break. Lee Mills put the Vale ahead on 72 only for Lee Duxberry to equalise with eight minutes left. But Naylor’s second on 85 minutes gave Vale all three points.
The Vale team that day was – Musselwhite, Hill, Aspin, Glover, Tankard – McCarthy (Talbot), Porter, Bogie, Koordes (Corden), Naylor, Mills
Sub: Foyle
Attendance: 8,114
How to watch:
Finally, let’s deal with watching this behind closed doors game. It will be available to watch on the iFollow service. Here’s how to watch it…
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- If you don’t have an existing iFollow account sign up here
- If you have an existing iFollow account sign in here
- When signed in go to this page, select Video packages, select the relevant game and pay
- On matchday, go to this page and there will be an option at the bottom to watch live video
FAQs
Q: Do I have to set up the account/buy the pass on the day of the match?
A: No, you can set up your iFollow account and/or buy your match pass in advance if it is easier. All you need to do then is log onto iFollow on the day of the match go to this page and there will be an option at the bottom to watch live video.
Q: Can I watch it down the pub?
A: No, it’s illegal to show iFollow streams in public so they would be breaking the law. The service is for private use only.
Q: Can I watch it on the TV screen?
A: The iFollow service is available via an app or a browser. Probably the simplest way to watch it on the TV screen is to watch the stream on a browser and connect your computer to your TV via a HDMI lead. The video and audio should then show on your screen.
Q: What about the programme?
A: Ahead of the game Port Vale will also be sending all season ticket holders a link to a complimentary digital copy of our new-look matchday programme! If you do not receive your digital copy by 1pm on Saturday, then please contact us on the numbers provided above. Additionally, if you wish to collect a physical copy of the programme ahead of kick off – please contact the club shop.
Q: What commentary will be provided?
A: Usually commentary from both teams (home and away) is provided. In Vale’s case it is usually the BBC Radio Stoke commentary team. When the match starts, click on the cog on the bottom RH corner to select home or away commentary.
Q: Does Port Vale make money from iFollow?
A: Yes and in these days of behind closed door matches, the revenue from iFollow can be vital. Clubs like Vale earn around 80% of the cost of an iFollow ticket regardless of whether the game is played home or away.
Q: What about if I still have an issue?
A: If you are experiencing problems with iFollow should contact EFL iFollow by telephone – 0207 8264577 (three hours before kick-off and running until three hours after matches finish) or by email – [email protected] (staffed from 8am to 7pm every day).
Need more information? We have a dedicated forum thread with help and advice right here. There’s also a guide on setting up an iFollow account while here is a guide for season ticket holders redeeming a code