Port Vale v Derby County preview – tough task as Vale aim to reverse their form
The pressure is starting to build at Vale Park as the club’s winless League run continues. Can Andy Crosby and co turn things around in front of a big midweek crowd? Here’s our match preview…
MATCH PREVIEW
Port Vale v Derby County: Tuesday November 28th, Vale Park stadium, League One, 7.45pm.
PREAMBLE
It feels like the pressure is building in Burslem. The Vale’s fine cup form has probably helped to release the tension a bit but in the League the club have been in poor form for some time now. The Valiants dominated possession against Shrewsbury but that’s no use if there’s no incisive play and cutting edge. As one fan put it – “clubs are happy to allow Vale to have possession as they know nothing will come of it.”
It isn’t something that has escaped Andy Crosby’s attention. To be fair to the Vale boss he’s being saying pretty much the same thing for some weeks now. Vale need to add that ruthless streak, that cutting edge to cap all their neat approach play. If they don’t do it soon then fan discontent and pressure on the manager will surely mount.
TEAM NEWS
We imagine it will be a case of player management which will determine the Vale line-up. For instance, will the likes of Alex Iacovitti and Uche Ikpeazu be able to handle two starts in a matter of days?
There will also be debate over a couple of other positions in the team too? Is Funso Ojo better suited to the back three or a return to his defensive midfield position. If it’s the former, does in-form youngster Rhys Walters merit a start allowing Ben Garrity, so often Vale’s main goal threat, a more advanced role?
As far as injuries are concerned there’s been no news on Dan Jones’ condition while Kofi Balmer, Conor Grant, Mitch Clark and James Wilson are all expected to be ruled out.
OPPOSITION
It’s going to be a tricky test taking on Derby, especially with the away side cheered on by a packed Bycars stand. County are on a decent run of form with six wins, a draw and three losses from their last ten League and Cup games.
Veteran forward James Collins is the club’s top scorer in the League so far this season. The 32 year-old has seven goals from ten starts.
MAN IN CHARGE
Former Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was appointed Derby County manager in September 2022. In charge for 68 games so far, he boasts a 47% win ratio.
PAST MEETINGS
The two sides first met in 1921 when it finished in an honourable 1-1 draw. However, encounters over the years have generally been few and far between with just twenty two competitive matches between the two sides. The last League game at Vale Park ended as in a dramatic 2-1 loss last season. Vale were leading through Funso Ojo’s strike before two goals in the last three minutes gave the home side the win.
BRIEF HISTORY
Derby County was founded in 1884 and was one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888, Derby County is one of only 10 clubs to have competed in every season of the English Football League, with all but five of those being in the top two divisions. The club has won two championships and also an FA Cup.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Striker James Wilson will miss this game and a chance to play against one of his former clubs. Wilson spent a loan spell with the club in 2016 only for it to be cut short after four games due to injury.
Other players to appear for both sides include midfielder Callum Guy, goalkeeper Kelle Roos, striker Theo Robinson plus midfielders Robin van der Laan and Ian Taylor.
FROM THE ARCHIVE
It’s one of the lesser sung Port Vale cup giantkillings but nevertheless for those who were there, the 3-2 away win over top flight Derby County back in 1990 was one of John Rudge’s Port Vale side’s best-ever performances.
Our special feature includes reports, photos and the full ninety minutes play from the Baseball ground…
OVERALL RECORD
8 Port Vale wins
4 draws
10 Port Vale losses
THE QUIZ
Our now traditional match preview quiz. How many will you get. Answers below (no cheating!)…
- Who is the current Derby County manager?
- When were the club formed?
- What was the score the last time the two sides met?
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…
PREDICT THE SCORE
GO'ARN THE VALE!
Quiz answers:
- Paul Warne
- 1884
- Port Vale 1-2 Derby County