Burton Albion v Port Vale preview – a vital game and a chance to concentrate on the pitch after changes at the top
The Valiants travel to Burton and once again hopes are that some points will narrow the gap between them and safety. While the departure of David Flitcroft as director of football won’t directly affect things, will his exit help unite the fans behind the team? Here’s our preview.
PREAMBLE
- Opposition: Burton Albion
- Competition: League One
- Venue: Pirelli stadium
- Date: 23rd February, 3pm
So, it has finally happened… Port Vale have announced the departure of much-criticised director of football David Flitcroft. While the exit won’t have an immediate effect on things (the results of Flitcroft’s disastrous transfer window recruitment will still be in place) it may help to quell fan discontent and rally them behind the team.
But (and it’s a big but) it’s not just the fans who need to be up for this. There are plenty of question marks about the attitude of the players and its up to them to put on a display that’s worthy of the fans’ praise. Vale may be lacking in forwards thanks to Flitcroft but regardless of the team’s deficiencies 100% effort and application should be a given.
In other news, young striker Baylee Dipepa made an impressive England U17 debut by scoring twice after coming on as a sub.
TEAM NEWS
Line-Up
What will Darren Moore do after that latest defeat? Mitch Clark and Jason Lowe were replaced early on, probably due to lack of fitness and lack of form respectively. Who will Moore bring in if he replaces them? One possibility is youngster Rhys Walters in central midfield, while the luckless James Plant could be played out of position again at right wingback.
Vale’s defence looked shaky throughout the Oxford loss – could there be other changes there. Kasper Lopata and Alex Iacovitti were not used during that game – could they both be options?
Injuries
Uche Ikpeazu and Dan Gore at least look close to regaining fitness but whether this game comes too early for them is tricky to tell.
OPPONENTS
- League position: 19th
- Form: L-D-L-L-L
- Top-scorer: Lubala (5)
- Manager: Martin Paterson
Season so far
A poor recent run of six games without a win means Burton are still in relegation danger. One of their issues is a lack of goals with five goal Beryly Lubala the club’s top-scorer.
Last game
Albion lost 1-0 away at Exeter City last weekend despite the home side playing 45 minutes with ten men.
Man in charge
Martin Paterson (pictured) had a less than enjoyable spell at Vale Park as a player and he’s not having that great a time as Burton boss. He has won just three times in twelve games (but then again look at our manager’s record).
CONNECTIONS
Current
We’ve already mentioned Burton manager Martin Paterson who played eighteen times for Vale in 201, scoring twice.
Former
Over the years there have been several players to appear for both including winger Marcus Harness, goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson, (pictured) defender Adam Yates and midfielder Nathan Ferguson.
Looking further back…
For this category, we’d like to feature one of the probably unintentionally hilariously named former Vale players in Hugh Walley. He played for Burslem Port Vale and Burton Swifts (the forerunners of Albion) in the early twentieth century.
HISTORY
- Port Vale wins: 8
- Draws: 4
- Port Vale losses: 6
Matches
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 (pictured). Our first competitive trip to Burton ended in a 1-0 defeat. The last meeting was Port Vale’s 2-0 FA Cup replay win back in November. Yes, a win. Remember what those are like.
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.
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 Burton Albion manager?
- In what year did the clubs first meet?
- What was the score in the last game between them?
Quiz Answers (no cheating)
- Martin Paterson
- 2010
- Burton Albion 0-2 Port Vale
Vale fan
23rd March 2024 @ 1:47 pm
I am going for a Vale win, this game could tell us a lot about what has been going on at the Vale, for me personally I have been given a great boost with the departure of the DOF, I do not wish him any ill feeling , but please stay away from Port Vale F.C.Come Vale you can win this, it’s late in the season,I know, it the NEW PORT VALE STARTS NOW.UTV