Tranmere Rovers v Port Vale preview – can Valiants continue unbeaten form in early kick-off?

The Vale may not be quite hitting top form but they are unbeaten in 2025. However, will injuries restrict their progress at Tranmere? Here’s our preview.

The Vale perspective

Form

Decent albeit not spectacular. The Vale continue to be unbeaten in 2025 despite setbacks including red cards and multiple injuries. They will be keen to extend that run for another game at least…

Fitness

Now here’s the thing… Vale will need to make do without the likes of captain Ben Garrity, left wingback Jaheim Headley and perhaps most tellingly their experienced forward Jayden Stockley. While Vale won without Stockley last Saturday, if Lorent Tolaj is fit to play it will be a huge boost to the forward ranks. Mitch Clark may also return to the ranks though after Kyle John’s impressive form, it may be on the bench.

Team selection

The Valiants successfully appealed Ronan Curtis’ red card and he is eligible for this game. Loanee Antwoine Hackford should start after an impressive display and then it’s a case of who plays alongside him. The choices appear to be Curtis or Lorent Tolaj.

With Tolaj coming back from injury, it’s likely to be Curtis and Hackford again.

Viewing guide

This game is an early kick-off and is being streamed live in the UK. It’s available on Sky+. Viewers abroad need to obtain a pass to watch this game from the club’s new PVTV service.

The opposition

Man in charge

The experienced Nigel Adkins was dismissed on Wednesday after a poor run of form. He had been appointed in September 2023. Taking over is a familiar face for Vale fans with former manager Andy Crosby in temporary charge for Saturday’s fixture.

Form

Dire. Rovers have won just once in 2025 and are winless in their last five home games. Their last win was ten games ago.

Team news

Former Port Vale midfielder Brad Walker is one of three players who will miss this game. Saidou Khan and Regan Hendry also remain unavailable.

Striker Kristian Dennis may come into the starting eleven after he scored off the bench against Notts County.

Connections

Current connections

Former Vale midfielder Brad Walker, so plagued with injuries during his spell in Burslem, is in the Rovers squad but unlikely to play. Now aged 28, the Billingham born man made 45 appearances for the Valiants, scoring twice.

Vintage connections

Over the years there have been a number of players to feature for both clubs. The list includes midfielder Chris Shuker, striker David Amoo (pictured), defender Antony Kay and midfielder Marc Laird.

Featured connection

Powerful forward John James played for both clubs with distinction. Born in Stone, James played over 200 games for the Valiants, securing promotion from Division Four in 1970. He moved on to Tranmere Rovers where he won his second promotion, this time in 1976. James sadly passed away in 2021.

History

Last time we met

The two sides produced a goalless draw at Vale Park in the Valiants’ first home League fixture of the season. It also saw striker Jayden Stockley make his debut for the club and defender Kyle John make his League debut.

Memorable meetings

The two clubs first met in 1929 when it finished 1-0 to Port Vale. Harry Anstiss scored Vale’s first goal against Rovers. The Valiants followed that win with a 5-1 win later in the season with Albert Pynegar and Sam Jennings both getting braces. There was a dramatic for the Valiants in 2020. Winning 3-2 but with only ten men on the pitch after the dismissal of Luke Joyce, Vale conceded twice in the last minute to lose 4-3. Devante Rodney scored the third that day – the last Vale home scorer against Rovers.

Brief history

Tranmere were founded in 1884 as Belmont Football Club, before they adopted their current name in 1885. The club moved to its current home, Prenton Park, in 1912 and joined the Football League in 1921. The 1990s would prove to be the most successful period in the club’s history as Tranmere remained in the second tier, and came close to reaching the Premier League with three consecutive play-off campaigns at the start of the decade. In 2015 their 94 year League stay came to an end but they bounced back to return to League Two in 2018.

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…

Tranmere Rovers 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. Andy Crosby
2. Brad Walker
3. Port Vale 0-0 Tranmere Rovers
4. Harry Anstiss

The tough one: Tranmere Rovers 13-4 Oldham Athletic

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