Oxford United v Port Vale preview – in-form Valiants face tough test at table toppers
It’s six games unbeaten for Andy Crosby’s team but they now face a difficult trip to in-form Oxford United. Here’s our preview…
Venue: Kassam stadium | Date: 2nd September 2023, 3pm | Competition: League One
Predict the score
Preamble
So, that’s it then. The window has closed. After what was an often tortureous wait on Friday ended with the news that Vale had added striker Ryan Loft to their squad while Ellis Harrison left for MK Dons. The window arguably leaves Vale somewhat short of left wingback and forward cover but we’ll see…
Port Vale team news
There are likely to be wholesale changes from the starting eleven that began in the cup against Crewe but in addition to the departed Harrison, Vale are likely to still be missing Kofi Balmer, Dan Jones and Conor Grant. Hopefully, James Wilson will be fit to continue his recent run of starts which has also culminated in two goals so far.
Vale’s one to watch…
Midfielder Oliver Arblaster once again earned rave reviews after he came on to change the midweek League Cup game against Crewe. The Sheffield United loanee is only nineteen years of age and played seven times but he already looks a real prospect for the top. Vale fans should enjoy him while he’s in a Vale shirt!
Opposition team news
Many observers think Oxford did some good business over the summer and it’s been reflected in four straight wins in the League. Oxford’s ranks have been boosted by the signings of former Ipswich man Greg Leigh, Cardiff City forward Mark Harris, midfielder Josh McEachran, striker Ruben Rodrigues and the loan addition of Brentford’s Fin Stevens.
Oxford’s one to watch…
20 year-old Tyler Goodrham has been on target three times already this season. A graduate from the Oxford United academy he made his League debut in August 2022 and has had loan spells with Slough Town and Hayes & Yeading.
Man in charge
Former MK Dons boss Liam Manning has guided Oxford to the top of the table this season. The 38 year-old joined in March 2023 after losing his job at MK Dons in December 2022. His record at Oxford is a 37.5% win ratio from sixteen games.
Familiar faces
Oxford will be a familiar place for Vale boss Andy Crosby. The manager spent three years at Oxford United between 2001 and 2004 making 122 appearances and scoring thirteen times. In the opposition squad, striker Mark Harris spent a spell on loan at Vale from Cardiff City in 2019.
Through the years…
The two sides first met in an FA Cup tie in 1966. After a 2-2 draw, the replay ended in a 3-2 win for the Valiants. The first League meeting took place in 1976 when it finished in a goalless draw.
Port Vale’s last away win against Oxford comes way back in 1997 when Lee Mills and Tony Naylor scored in a 2-0 victory.
Last time we met…
The then struggling Vale picked up a valuable away point after a 0-0 draw last season. The result was soured by the late sending-off of loanee Dennis Politic after he elbowed an Oxford player.
Overall record
11 Port Vale wins | 11 draws | 14 Port Vale losses
From the archive
From our YouTube channel, here’s a 2-2 draw from the 1990s:
A brief history of…
Oxford Utd was founded on 27 October 1893 as Headington Football Club. Oxford United adopted its current name in 1960. It joined the Football League in 1962. Two successive promotions led the club into the First Division in 1985 and it won the League Cup in 1986. However, relegation from the top flight in 1988 started an 18-year decline which saw the club relegated to the Conference in 2006. After four seasons, Oxford returned to League Two in 2010 via the play-offs, and six seasons later achieved promotion to League One.
Our traditional quiz…
- Who is the current Oxford Utd manager?
- What was the score the last time the two teams met?
- In which year were the club formed?
- Name the former Valiants loanee in the Oxford squad?
Answers below (no cheating)…
Join the debate
Our forum is the place to be to discuss the game. Join the debate before, during and after kick-off and share your thoughts with fellow Vale fans. Just click on the link below:
Quiz answers
- Liam Manning
- Oxford 0-0 Port Vale
- 1893
- Mark Harris