Salford City v Port Vale preview – groundhog day as Vale return to Salford for Trophy tie

It’s time for the Football League Trophy to kick off and for our second Salford City preview piece in just over a week…

The Vale perspective

Form

The Valiants have now had all three possible results this season – an opening win over the hosts, a League Cup loss to Barrow and now a home draw against Tranmere Rovers.

Fitness

This is no game for the Vale to take any chances on players carrying a knock. Lorent Tolaj looks to be out with an eye injury, but it’s possible that Benicio could feature after being ill at the weekend.

Team selection

There’s bound to be wholesale changes for this game. We expect to see a similar line-up to the Barrow games with the likes of Ben Amos, Ben Lomax, Jack Shorrock, James Plant and Baylee Dipepa all in the starting eleven. There may also be a run out for recent signing Kyle John and possibly Diamond Edwards.

Viewing guide

UK viewers will be able to see this game on Sky+ (available as a day pass on Now TV for those without a Sky subscription). Viewers abroad need to obtain a pass from the club’s new PVTV service.

Pub guide

A reminder about the The Star Inn where Vale fans are more than welcome to call in for a friendly pint or two pre or post match! It’s a customer owned (community) pub. There’s lots of covered and comfortable outdoor space and parking is easy in surrounding streets. They always have two real ales on and the usual selection of lagers, stouts and alcohol free! If you are a coach party please let them know and they will put extra bar staff on! Directions, photos, questions and more on their Facebook Page

The opposition

Man in charge

43 year-old Karl Robinson is now in charge of his fourth club. He began his managerial career at MK Dons, where he won promotion and then had spells with Charlton Athletic and Oxford United. He was appointed Salford boss in January and he has a 29% (down from 33% in our previous preview) win ratio from 24 games.

Form

Salford lost their opening game to the Valiants and since then have also lost to Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup and earnt a goalless draw against Bradford City at the weekend.

Summer signings

The headline addition over the summer was that of Wales International Ben Woodburn, who came off the bench in the clash against the Valiants. Other additions include Cole Stockton, James Chester, Jon Taylor plus goalkeepers Jamie Jones and Mattie Young.

Connections

Current connections

No change here from our previous preview… Vale’s summer signing Lorent Tolaj spent a loan spell with Salford back in 2012. The striker made seventeen appearances scoring a single goal. Defender Dan Jones is another Vale player with Salford connections. The defender spent two years with Salford but only made six appearances after being loaned out on two occasions. Finally, veteran midfielder Jason Lowe was snapped up last summer after being released by Salford.

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to feature for both clubs. The list includes goalkeeper Chris Neal, forward Devante Rodney, defender Theo Vassell and midfielder Danny Whitehead.

Featured connection

Striker James Wilson was released by the Valiants at the end of last season. A talented frontman when fit, Wilson hit top form at the tail end of the 2021-22 season and his goals helped inspire Vale to promotion to League One. He was affected by injuries in subsequent seasons and is now on Northampton Town’s books. Prior to his Vale spell he made 35 appearances for Salford, scoring ten times.

History

Last time we met

It may not surprise you to know the clubs last met in League Two just over a week ago. That game ended in a Vale away victory thanks to two goals from captain Ben Garrity. It was a solid start to the season according to our fan panel.

Memorable meetings

The two clubs first met in 2019 when it finished in a honourable 1-1 draw with Richie Bennett the scorer of Vale’s first goal against Salford. It wasn’t until the fourth meeting that Vale recorded their first win – a 1-0 victory in 2020 thanks to a Cristian Montano winner. Vale did the double over Salford in the 2020-21 season, winning both fixtures 1-0.

Brief history

The club was founded as Salford Central Mission in 1940 and changed its name to Salford Central in 1947. The club’s nickname, “The Ammies”, stems from their name from the early 1960s to the early 1970s, Salford Amateurs. They changed their name again in 1989 to Salford City. The club won promotion to the English Football League after winning the 2019 National League play-off final, under the stewardship of Graham Alexander.

Opinion and quiz

Discuss the game

Want to discuss things before, during and after the game? Our forum’s dedicated match thread is the place to be. Share your views with fellow fans…

Salford City v Port Vale match thread

Predict the score

Quiz

Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Karl Robinson
2. Lorent Tolaj
3. Salford City 0-2 Port Vale
4. Richie Bennett

The tough one: 5,108

How do you think the match will go for the Valiants? Share your thoughts and post a comment below.