Port Vale v MK Dons preview – Moore’s men need to bounce back from midweek disappointment

Vale still seem to be spluttering in second gear and have also lost their unbeaten 2025 run. Can they bounce back against MK? Here’s our preview…

The Vale perspective

Overview

Concerns are mounting after what had been a spluttering unbeaten run was ended in midweek by a more clinical and better drilled Colchester side. After so much money was spent in the summer expectations remain high at Vale Park and the possibility that the club may miss out on the promotion places is breeding discontent. The best way for the team to end the criticism is to start to produce some good form and good results. However, the worry is that after consistent team selections recently at least produced positive results, Moore looked to go back to his revolving doors policy against Colchester. The constant changes don’t allow players to develop partnerships with many fans crying out for the team to pick a consistent, first choice eleven.

Fitness

The Valiants have been boosted by the news that influential skipper Ben Garrity has returned to training. However, it’s possible that this match may have come too soon for him. George Byers may also be in contention after being rested due to several knocks. The manager also revealed that loanee Rico Richards has recovered from injury after the loanee had missed some squads in recent weeks. Back-up keeper Nathan Broome was ill in midweek but should return to the bench.

Team selection

So what to do about the midfield? Let’s talk formation and selection. Moore opted for two holding players behind an attacking player in midweek. Many fans welcomed that move and hope he sticks with it. If he does then the attacking options are Ethan Chislett, goalscorer Rico Richards or (less likely) fit again Ben Garrity (the latter is unlikely to be risked from the start). The defensive options are more interesting. High profile signing George Byers is back but would he displace Rhys Walters, many people’s Vale MOTM on Tuesday, or the consistent Ryan Croasdale. Other options include Rakeem Harper or (less likely) veteran Jason Lowe. Upfront, Jayden Stockley is back but may be used from the bench for this game.

Viewing guide

This 3pm kick-off game is not available on Sky+ in the UK so fans will not be able to watch. Fans based overseas can watch it via the PVTV service.

The opposition

Man in charge

Coach Ben Gladwin has been placed in temporary charge following the dismissal of Scott Lindsay earlier this month. This will be Gladwin’s second game in charge. Speaking ahead of the game Gladwin told the local media: “Port Vale are a really good team, we’re well aware of that, but we’ll focus on what we want to look like and what we want to do. It will be a brilliant test for us.”

Form

After an awful run of form which saw the team not win in seven maches, the club promptly won their first game under Gladwin. That was a 2-1 home win over Morecambe which took place last weekend. The club currently sit in 18th place in League Two.

Connections

Vintage connections

The last Vale player to feature for MK Dons was striker Ellis Harrison whose goals were sorely missed when he departed to the Dons last season. Harrison has now moved on to Walsall. Over the years there have been a number of players to appear for both sides. The list includes forward David Amoo, midfielder Jay O’Shea, defender Antony Kay and winger Matty Kennedy.

Featured connection

Winger Dominic Blizzard has one of the most unfortunate Vale careers in recent memories. He was signed on loan from Bristol Rovers in a spell that lasted four days and one appearance. His spell went like this – he was signed on loan by Gannon on the 18th August 2011, he played in the game against Accrington on the 19th and returned to parent club Bristol Rovers on the 21st following Gannon’s sacking. His spell at MK Dons was far less eventful as he played ten games on loan in 2006.

History

Last time we met

The Valiants won 1-0 at Stadium MK thanks to a late strike from substitute forward Antwoine Hackford. It came in the middle of a run of three successive 1-0 away wins for the then in-form Vale side.

Fixture history

The two clubs first met in 2004 when the game ended in a 3-2 win for the Valiants. Steve Brooker and Ian Armstrong (2) were the scorers for the home side. The Vale were unbeaten in the first four games between the two sides.

Memorable match

League Two Vale obtained a minor giantkilling in 2019 when they secured a 1-0 away win in the FA Cup against League One MK Dons. Winger David Worrall scored the winning goal. That game was part of a cup run that saw the Valiants travel to Manchester City in the third round.

Brief history

The club was founded in 2004, following Wimbledon FC’s hugely controversial relocation to Milton Keynes from south London, when it adopted its present name, badge and home colours. The club entered the Football League at the start of the 2004-2005 season.

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…

Port Vale v MK Dons match thread

Predict the score

Quiz

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

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

1. Ben Gladwin
2. 2004
3. Izale McLeod

The tough one: 6,483

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