Here’s our brief preview of Port Vale’s first league game of the season – a trip to Crewe…
Match Essentials
Date: Saturday 8th August, 3pm
Ticket prices: Sold-out
Port Vale
Manager: Rob Page
Last match: N/A
Recent form: N/A
Crewe Alex
Manager: Steve Davis
Last match: N/A
Recent form: N/A
Team News
There could be a number of debutants in the Port Vale side after nine summer signings. Michael O’Connor and Chris Neal will both miss the game but it’s expected that goalkeeper Jak Alnwick will start in goal while the new-look central defensive partnership will be Remie Streete and Ryan Inniss. In midfield, it’s likely that Anthony Grant and Sam Foley will pair up with veteran Michael Brown on the bench. Meanwhile, upfront Uche Ikpeazu is set for a full debut against his old club.
Crewe are boosted by the end of the Ryan Colclough contract sage but have problems in defence with captain Harry Davis missing and George Ray’s fitness in doubt.
Pre-match quote
“The away support will definitely give the boys a lift…” – Rob Page
Last time we met…
It was disappointment for the Valiants with Crewe completing the double with a 1-0 win at Vale Park.
Club Connections
OK, bear with us as this could take a little while… Vale’s ranks boast a whole host of former Crewe players:
- Midfielder Anthony Grant
- Striker Uche Ikpeazu
- Forward AJ Leitch-Smith
- Winger Colin Daniel
- Midfielder Michael O’Connor
- Winger Byron Moore
There has been a regular exchange of players over the years – here is just a small sample of players to appear for both clubs:
- Forward Lee Matthews
- Defender Sagi Burton
- Midfielder Dave Brammer
- Striker Tony Naylor
Bluffer’s Guide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSeQRhRgp_c
Classic game: Highlights of Port Vale’s League Cup victory from 1996.
Overall record:
- 33 Port Vale wins
- 19 Crewe wins
- 21 draws
Essential facts about our opponents to impress your mates with…
- Vale’s last league win at the Alexandra stadium was in November 2013 thanks to goals from Rob Taylor and Jennison Myrie-Williams.
- Vale have won 5-1 at Crewe on two occasions – a 5-1 League Cup win in 1996 and a 5-1 league win in 1978.
- We wonder if you can name the last Vale player to score against Crewe? Give up? It was much maligned striker Jordan Slew who scored in Vale’s 2-1 defeat at the Alexandra stadium last season.
Comments are closed.