Walsall v Port Vale preview – can Valiants topple table toppers in key clash?

It’s a crucial game against old rivals and a chance for Vale to supplant Walsall as League leaders. Here’s our match preview…

Three things to watch out for

1. Same again for the “tinker” man?

Darren Moore has been consistent in swopping his team around all season but arguably the club’s best form has been when he’s stuck with a consistent starting eleven. The eleven that started against Bradford is probably the strongest available from the available players and Vale fans will be hoping Moore will stick with the same side for this crucial clash.

2. Will Walters continue to impress?

This week we noted the emergence of teenager Rhys Walters and how it has been a huge boost to the Valiants. Earlier this year, Vale were struggling in central midfield with captain Ben Garrity injured, George Byers picking up numerous knocks and the workload starting to tell on Ryan Croasdale. The influence of Garrity is well known but it has probably come as a surprise to many Vale fans to see how much Walters has developed. The teenager has formed an effective partnership with Croasdale and has impressed with his ball control and passing ability. It’s arguable that even if high profile signing Byers was fit, Walters should keep his place regardless.

3. Will fans take heed of Garrity’s words?

Captain Ben Garrity has spoken to the media about his reaction to some of the home fans on Tuesday. Garrity says he was upset at “groans” when the ball wasn’t lumped forward and explained that the side need to control the game and that doesn’t mean hitting the ball forward just for it to return – resulting in a “basketball score”. Garrity spoke passionately and eloquently on the subject saying that players and fans want the same thing. But will the impatient fans take note?

The Vale view

Form

Really good. The wins over Crewe and Bradford City have reignited hopes that the Valiants can now secure a place in the automatic promotion places. But they will need to maintain their good form over the final games to do so.

Fitness

Wingbacks Tom Sang and Kyle John both missed out on the Bradford win, so Darren Moore may stick with Mitch Clark and Jack Shorrock on the flanks. Longer term injured – Ben Heneghan, Jaheim Headley and George Byers are all very unlikely to feature.

Team selection

Same again? The only possible change would be if John or Sang are fit. If so, Moore may decide on a more experienced player than 17 year-old Jack Shorrock. However, the youngster acquitted himself well in midweek and may keep his place even if John or Sang are fit.

Possible line-up

Formation: 3-4-3

Starting eleven: Amos – Debrah, Smith, Hall – Clark, Croasdale, Walters, Shorrock – Garrity – Stockley, Tolaj

Trivia: this should be the 350th senior game for keeper Ben Amos

Viewing guide

This game is an early kick-off and is being shown live on Sky Sports+ in the UK. Coverage starts at 12:20pm. Viewers outside of the UK can see the game on the PVTV service.

Guide to the opposition

Club factfile

• Team: Walsall
• League: League Two
• Manager: Mat Sadler

Trivia: Walsall moved into their Bescot Stadium in 1990.

Man in charge

39 year-old former Walsall player Mat Sadler was appointed manager in 2023 after the departure of Michael Flynn. He’s been in charge for 107 games with a 42% win ratio.

Form

In a slump. It’s now eight games without a win for Walsall who are in danger of dropping off the top of the table. Their last three home games have resulted in a draw and two losses while their last win was back in February.

Squad and injuries

Former Vale striker Ellis Harrison could be fit to face his former club after he recovered from injury. Wingback Connor Barrett came off the bench in midweek and may be in contention to start this one.

One to watch

Midfielder Taylor Allen has been in good goalscoring form recently with four goals in his last nine games. He has nine for the season so far.

History

Current connection

There’s two. Walsall have former Port Vale goalkeeper Sam Hornby in their squad and he’s set to play against his former club. Hornby made fifteen appearances for the Valiants during a two year stay between 2017 and 2019. He joined Walsall in the summer and is yet to make an appearance. Walsall also have former Vale striker Ellis Harrison although he could miss out through injury.

Connections

There have been a number of players to appear for both clubs over recent years. The list includes full-back Ben Purkiss, forward Rory Holden, striker Devante Rodney, defender Clayton McDonald and full-back Zak Mills.

Featured connection

Yet another of John Rudge’s successful signings was that of former Walsall striker Nicky Cross in 1989. The forward was signed from Leicester City for £125,000 and added higher level experience to Vale’s squad as they stepped up to Division Two. His spell at the club was hit by injuries but he is remembered for a brilliant goal in Vale’s giantkilling of Derby County. He was also a member of the Autoglass Trophy winning squad and promotion in 1994. He totalled 42 goals in 172 games for the club.

Overall record

• Port Vale wins: 24
• Port Vale losses: 47
• Draws: 27

Trivia: Vale have failed to score in their last two fixtures against Walsall.

Last time we met

It was a disappointing home defeat for the Valiants earlier this season. The winning goal came from Jamille Matt on 51 minutes as the visitors secured a 1-0 win.

Fixture history

The two sides first met in December 1892 when it ended in a 3-0 victory for Vale. All the scorers for that match are not known but John Lander scored two of them. Walsall won the return fixture by the same scoreline. Walsall has not been a happy fixture for the Vale in more recent years – with the club not recording a win over a twenty one year period from 1965 to 1986. More recently, it has been eight years since a Vale league win. The last Vale scorer against Walsall was Tom Conlon back in 2021.

Archive

This website has been around for nearly 30 years so has a pretty extensive archive.

Brief history

The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town and Walsall Swifts. They entered the Football League four years later. After two decades out of the League they were invited into the newly formed Third Division North in 1921 and they spent the next 37 years in that division. The club have won eight promotions and were runners-up in the Football League Trophy in 2015.

Club records

• Highest attendance: 25,453 v Newcastle Utd, Second Division, 1961
• Biggest win: 10-0 v Darwen. Second Division, 1899
• Biggest defeat: 0-12 v Small Heath, 1892

Your views

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