Port Vale v Burton Albion preview – second cup clash of the week for Valiants
The Valiants appeared revitalised during their midweek win over Mansfield Town – can they continue that good form when they take on Burton Albion in the FA Cup?
MATCH PREVIEW
Port Vale v Burton Albion: Saturday November 4th, Vale Park stadium, FA Cup first round
PREAMBLE
The Valiants probably have mixed emotions after Tuesday’s win over Mansfield Town. On the pitch, it was a much better display although once again the lack of potency in front of goal meant Vale only managed a 1-0 win. However, the enthusiasm over the team’s revived form was tempered a bit by a draw that pitted Vale against Championship Middlesbrough rather than a Premier League giant.
TEAM NEWS
Loanees Oliver Arblaster and Alfie Devine earned rave reviews in midweek and must be prime contenders to start this game. Upfront, Uche Ikpeazu looked a threat although he’s still working his way to full match fitness. However, he’s favourite to start ahead of Ryan Loft.
We can’t imagine too many changes from Tuesday’s game which means that Jess Debrah, another who earned much praise, will continue in the defence.
Conor Grant, James Wilson and Alex Iacovitti all look set to be ruled out.
OPPOSITION
Burton’s win against Vale earlier in the season was their first victory of 2023-24 and it sparked them into life. Since then the club have picked up another five wins and lost just once. Their last game was a rather disappointing goalless draw at home to Leyton Orient.
MAN IN CHARGE
Dino Maamria was assistant boss before the departure of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink saw him given the top job in September 2022. He’s been in charge for 64 games with a 39% win ratio.
PAST MEETINGS
The two sides first met in 2010 at Vale Park when it finished in a 3-1 win for the Valiants thanks to goals from Marc Richards (2) and Sean Rigg. Our first competitive trip to Burton ended in a 1-0 defeat.
One of the more memorable games was that 7-1 win in 2013 which helped the Valiants to promotion. A Lee Hughes hat-trick, Ben Williamson brace plus goals for Tom Pope and Chris Birchall secured the victory in front of a bumper crowd of 10,978.
BRIEF HISTORY
Burton Albion were formed in 1950 and initially joined the Birmingham & District League. Nigel Clough spent seven seasons as the club’s player-manager in the Conference and then led them into the Football League as champions of the Conference in 2008–09. They lost the 2014 League Two play-off final, but went on to win the League Two title in 2014–15 and were promoted from League One in 2015–16. Burton spent two seasons in the Championship until relegation in 2018.
CONNECTIONS
There are no players in either squad who have played for the opposition. However, over the years the likes of Marcus Harness, Stuart Tomlinson, Rob Lainton, Nathan Ferguson, Tyler Walker and Justin Richards have made appearances for both sides.
OVERALL RECORD
7 Port Vale wins
3 draws
6 Port Vale losses
THE QUIZ
Our now traditional match preview quiz. How many will you get. Answers below (no cheating!)…
- Who is the current Burton Albion manager?
- When was the club formed?
- In what year did they enter the Football League?
JOIN THE DEBATE
Our dedicated match thread on the forum is the place to go to discuss the match before, during and after the action. View the thoughts of fellow fans and add your comments…
GO'ARN THE VALE!
Quiz answers:
- Dino Maamria
- 1950
- 2009