Derby County v Port Vale preview – it’s a tough task but Valiants are clearly in need of points
Logic would dictate that if Port Vale can’t pick up more than a point against Fleetwood at home then they are likely to return with nothing when they visit Derby. However, football isn’t always logical and here’s our preview…
PREAMBLE
- Opposition: Derby County
- Competition: League One
- Venue: Pride Park stadium
- Date: 2nd March, 2024, 3pm
It really goes without saying that the Valiants are deep in relegation trouble following the home defeat to Lincoln City and then the desperately disappointing midweek home draw against Fleetwood. The trip to promotion-chasing Derby looks a tough task for Darren Moore’s under-pressure players.
In other news, Synectics Solutions, the parent company of Port Vale FC owners Carol and Kevin Shanahan has reportedly been sold for around £180m. It remains to be seen how that will effect Port Vale FC in the future.
TEAM NEWS
Line-Up
It looked somewhat desperate when the Valiants started with 17 year-old Baylee Dipepa as the only recognised striker in midweek but to be fair the teenager impressed in the first-half before understandably tiring. The rejigged defence looked more solid to begin with before familiar failings late on – with limited resources it’s tricky to know if and how Darren Moore will make changes.
Injuries
It was a boost to see James Plant playing again after his long lay-off. Mitch Clark could be in contention too but it’s less clear about the participation of loanee Dan Gore or striker Uche Ikpeazu.
OPPONENTS
- League position: 2nd
- Form: D-W-W-L-L
- Top-scorer: Collins (13)
- Manager: Paul Warne
Season so far
As many would have expected, Derby are challenging for the automation promotion places.
Last game
It’s been a mini slump for the Rams as they lost their second game in succession. They suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Charlton Athletic in midweek.
Man in charge
Paul Warne has now been in charge for 88 games after joining in September 2022. He has won 44 of them which even our maths can work out as a 50% win ratio.
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…
CONNECTIONS
Current
There’s a pair of Derby connections in the Port Vale squad. Striker James Wilson spent a loan spell with the club in 2016 only for it to be cut short after four games due to injury. Manager Darren Moore also made ninety appearances for the Rams between 2006 and 2008.
Former
Other players to appear for both sides in recent years include midfielder Callum Guy, goalkeeper Kelle Roos, striker Theo Robinson plus midfielders Robin van der Laan and Ian Taylor.
Vintage connection
Legendary Derby figure Peter Taylor made the final appearance of his playing career for the Valiants in 1962. He left to pursue a coaching career and alongside Brian Clough won the Second Division title and then the League title in 1972. He later returned to Derby as manager in 1982 taking charge of 77 games. Taylor passed away in 1990.
HISTORY
- Port Vale wins: 8
- Draws: 4
- Port Vale losses: 11
Matches
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 three competitive matches between the two sides.
Last game
The Valiants lost 1-0 at home earlier in the season after a late John-Jules strike.
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.
PREDICT THE SCORE
AND FINALLY
Discuss
Our dedicated match thread on the forum is the place to go to debate the match before, during and after the action. View the thoughts of fellow fans and add your comments…
Quiz time
- When were Derby County formed
- Who is their current manager?
- What was the score the last time we met?
- How many appearances did Darren Moore make for Derby?
Quiz Answers (no cheating)
- 1884
- Paul Warne
- Port Vale 0-1 Derby County
- 90 appearances