Port Vale v Tranmere Rovers preview – can Vale impress at home?

Anticipation is high as the Valiants prepare to play their first League game at home – here’s our preview.

The Vale perspective

Form

The Valiants began their season with a decent 2-0 away win at Salford City thanks to a double from skipper Ben Garrity. However, things didn’t go as well at Barrow where a rejigged Vale side (with nine changes) lost 3-2 in the League Cup. The positives were first Vale goals for Ruari Paton and Tom Sang.

Fitness

Defenders Mitch Clark and Conor Grant are both definitely ruled out while the likes of Ethan Chislett, Nathan Smith, George Byers and Jayden Stockley failed to make the squad last Saturday. Manager Darren Moore said they would return to training but their participation is much in doubt.

Team selection

The Valiants are likely to have a similar line-up to the League game at Salford. It means Jesse Debrah will continue in defence after the continued absence of Nathan Smith. Ben Garrity is expected to shrug off his injury sustained at Salford to take his central midfield place.

Viewing guide

This game is not being streamed live in the UK. The next live game on Sky+ is the Football League Trophy game against Salford City on Tuesday. 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 has managed over 6oo games for seven clubs. He was appointed in September 2023 and his Tranmere record stands at sixteen wins from 43 games in charge.

Form

Tranmere opened the season with a goalless draw against Notts County on Saturday. It was described by the local media as “uneventful”. The side did better in midweek with a 3-0 League Cup win over Accrington Stanley.

Summer signings

Rovers brought in eight new signings over the summer. The headline moves were the purchase of striker Josh Davison (pictured) from AFC Wimbledon, the addition of midfielder Sam Finley from Bristol Rovers, the signing of MK Dons defender Cameron Norman and former Carlisle forward Omari Patrick. Patrick got off the mark for Rovers in midweek.

Connections

Current connections

Former Vale midfielder Brad Walker, so plagued with injuries during his spell in Burslem, started for Rovers on Saturday and could face his former club. 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 last met in League Two back in February 2022 where it finished 1-1 at Prenton Park thanks to a last-minute equaliser from striker Jamie Proctor. Vale were managed by Andy Crosby for the first time following Darrell Clarke’s bereavement.

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. Nigel Adkins
2. Brad Walker
3. Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Port Vale
4. Jamie Proctor

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.