Wycombe Wanderers v Port Vale preview – back to League matters as busy spell continues
After the drama, or perhaps lack of it, of the cup, it’s back to League One action as the Valiants travel to Buckinghamshire. Here’s our preview…
PREAMBLE
- Opposition: Wycombe Wanderers
- Competition: League One
- Venue: Causeway stadium
- Date: Saturday, 3pm
So, after Vale’s thirteen game cup participation this season came to a rather limp end on Tuesday, it’s back to League action over a packed festive period.
It will the the first of three League fixtures in a nine day period as the Valiants also host Barnsley and Blackpool in Burslem.
THE MANAGER
“They have a lot of experienced players in their team, some of them have played Championship and higher. We are aware of their strengths but it is more about us building on the momentum we have built in this last couple of games.”
Andy Crosby – Port Vale manager
TEAM NEWS
Line-Up
Andy Crosby again opted for Kofi Balmer over Nathan Smith but once again the loanee was at fault for one of the goals. Perhaps restoring Smith to his more natural central position alongside Jesse Debrah and Alex Iacovitti would be a more balanced back three?
Injuries
If Crosby makes this defensive change it will mean Jason Lowe not being involved in defence. However, the veteran could be drafted into midfield alongside Rhys Walters as Vale could well be missing first choice duo Funso Ojo and Ollie Arblaster. The latter’s injury could see him out for some time.
OPPONENTS
- League position: 18th
- Form: L-L-L-L-D
- Top-scorer: Luke Leahy (6)
- Manager: Matt Bloomfield
Recent games
Wanderers are in a poor run of form at the moment with their last League win coming nine games ago back in October. The run includes home losses to fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town and Reading. The side have only managed one League goal in their last four games.
Last game
Ominously for the Vale, Wycombe’s last result was a creditable 1-1 away draw at Derby County with a late Luke Leahy penalty earning the point.
Man in charge
Matt Bloomfield had the difficult job of taking over from long-serving Gareth Ainsworth. He has a 37% win ratio from his 43 games in charge.
ARCHIVE
Vale fans won’t forget that game in 2013 in a hurry. Micky Adams’ side celebrated promotion to League One with a carnival atmosphere as Vale fans, many in fancy dress descended on Adams Park. We have a gallery of images available through the link below:
CONNECTIONS
Current
Striker Uche Ikpeazu could face one of his former clubs. The powerful forward made 33 appearances for Wanderers in the Championship, scoring six times. On the opposition side is former Vale loanee Jack Grimmer.
Former
There are a string of former Vale favourites who also have connections with Wycombe. The list includes legendary wingers Steve Guppy and Gareth Ainsworth as well as experienced stopper Scott Brown.
HISTORY
- Port Vale wins: 3
- Draws: 8
- Port Vale losses: 7
Matches
The two sides first met in 2000 when it finished in a 1-0 home defeat for the Valiants. The last game between the two was in February when Wycombe ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Vale Park.
Brief History
Wycombe Wanderers were founded in 1887 and entered the Southern League in 1896. They won promotion into the Football League as Football Conference champions in 1992–93 under Martin O’Neill. The club secured promotion out of League Two in 2017–18 under the stewardship of Gareth Ainsworth, who then took the club to the Championship for the first time in the club’s history. They returned to League One in 2021.
Image: Wycombe Wanderers in action at Loakes Park (c) Barry Lewis, creative commons licence.
Predict the score
And finally
Discuss
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…
Quiz time
- Who is the current Wycombe manager?
- What was the score when the sides last met?
- When were the club formed?
- Which current Vale forward had a spell with Wycombe?
Quiz Answers (no cheating)
- Matt Bloomfield
- Port Vale 0-3 Wycombe Wanderers
- 1887
- Uche Ikpeazu