Blackpool v Port Vale preview – how will Valiants fare in first cup clash of the season?

A chance for rotation or to stick with the same eleven?

Will Darren Moore make changes for this game? It may be a chance to hand the likes of Rhys Walters, Ben Heneghan and perhaps recent loan signing Mo Faal a start? However, it may also be a good policy to stick with the same starting eleven who did so well at Vale Park.

Will Vale build on Cardiff performance?

The Valiants were unlucky on Thursday but have had the advantage of a few more days to rest and reflect on that draw. Will they learn from it and take their chances on Tuesday evening?

Injuries

Ben Amos and Ben Garrity both look long-term injuries. Meanwhile, Ruari Paton has been missing through injury and must be considered a doubt. Jayden Stockley only made the bench too and probably won’t be risked. However, Cameron Humphreys, who missed Thursday night through illness, could return.

Possible Vale line-up (3-5-2)

Marosi – John, Debrah, Hall – Clark, Byers, Ojo, Croasdale, Gordon – Tolaj, Curtis

Darren Moore on the draw with Cardiff – “a really good performance”

Summer business

Blackpool have splashed the cash this summer. Striker Niall Ennis has joined for an undisclosed fee from Stoke City, Nottingham Forest striker Dale Taylor has also joined on a four-year deal while there have been a couple of eye-catching loans such as Birmingham keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Crystal Palace wingback Danny Imray, who was so impressive at Bromley last season. However, one significant departure is that of winger Rob Apter’s move to Charlton Athletic.

Meet the manager

Steve Bruce needs little introduction after over 1,000 games as a manager for the likes of Newcastle United, Birmingham City, Hull City and Aston Villa. Bruce was appointed Blackpool boss in September 2024 and has a 36% win ratio from his 50 games in charge.

Recent form

It’s not been the start Blackpool will have hoped for as they have lost both of their games in the League so far this season. The Seasiders lose 2-3 to Stevenage at home in the opener and then were humbled 4-1 by Exeter City at the weekend.

Team news

Dale Taylor was unable to make his debut at the weekend due to a “registration error” but he could play in this game. Loanee Danny Imray is out through injury as is James Husbands.

Brief History

Founded in 1887, the club joined the Football League in 1896. Blackpool have worn tangerine strips from 1923 onwards. They first reached the top-flight in 1929 before a golden period which saw them win the FA Cup final in 1953. In 2010, they reached the Premier League for a season. However, the club – under despised owners the Oystons then plummeted to the fourth division. The Oystons were finally ousted in 2019.

Stadia

Bloomfield Road is the third stadium in the club’s existence, the previous two being Raikes Hall Gardens and the Athletic Grounds. The record attendance is 38,098 when Blackpool played Wolves in 1955.

Trivia

For the first and only time in the club’s history, four Blackpool players represented England in the infamous 6–3 defeat by Hungary at Wembley on 25 November 1953.

Last season

Blackpool finished in ninth place in League One with 67 points.

Classic match: Port Vale 2-0 Blackpool, FA Cup fifth round, 1954

Fixture history

The two sides first met in 1898 when it ended in a comprehensive 4-0 away win for the Vale. James Peake was the scorer of the club’s first goal against Blackpool.  Vale did even better in the return leg winning 6-1 at home with the prolific Peake netting four times. The most recent meeting was in 2023 in League One when goals from Ben Garrity, James Wilson and Nathan Smith gave Vale a 3-0 home win. The only other meeting in the League Cup was a first round tie in 1961. Bert Lewellyn’s goal for Vale was in vain as they slipped to a 2-1 loss.

Classic clash

With this being a cup tie, it would be totally remiss of us to not feature Vale’s famous 1954 FA Cup giantkilling. The game is linked from our archive section above or you can click on this link to read about one of the Valiants’ most famous cup upsets.

Recent player connections

Vale have three former Blackpool men in their squad although two of them are ruled out through injury. Captain Ben Garrity, signed for an undisclosed fee from the Seasiders, is yet to feature this season as is summer addition Jordan Gabriel. However, stand-in skipper George Byers, who had a loan spell with Blackpool in 2024, is expected to start. Other recent players to appear for both include midfielder Jenson Weir, defender Rhys Williams and striker Uche Ikpeazu (with all three having loan spells at both clubs – and Ikpeazu subsequently rejoining Vale on a permanent basis).

Vintage connection

Defender Terry Alcock was born in Hanley and turned professional with Port Vale in 1964. A near ever-present from 1965 to 1967 his form attracted the attention of bigger clubs. He was subsequently signed by Blackpool manager Stan Mortensen for a fee of £30,000 in 1967.  This was a then club record fee for the Valiants. Alcock helped his new side to promotion in 1970 as well as winning the Anglo-Italian cup competition. After almost 200 games for Blackpool he then rejoined the Vale in 1977. However, it was to be only a short second spell with Alcock chalking up just seven games before moving on to Halifax Town. In total, Alcock made 392 appearances, scoring 32 times.

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 –

Match thread for the game

Quiz

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

• Who is the current Blackpool manager?
• Which three current Vale players have appeared for Blackpool?
• Who is Blackpool’s record goalscorer?
• What was the score when the sides first met in 1898?

(answers below – no cheating)

Quiz answers

• Steve Bruce
• Gordon, Garrity and Byers
• Jimmy Hampson
• Blackpool 0-4 Port Vale

Quiz ratings

Today’s theme is strikers. How did you fare?

0/4 – Martin Paterson
1/4 – Ryan Loft
2/4 – Devante Rodney
3/4 – Marc Richards
4/4 – Tony Naylor