Can John Askey’s team continue their play-off challenge with an away victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Forest Green Rovers? Here’s our preview…
Team news
Team newsJames Gibbons will miss this game as he is suspended for two games. It means Mitch Clark is likely to move to right-back and Cristian Montano drop back to left-back. After the defensive heroics against Northampton Town, it’s entirely possible that Shaun Brisley (pictured right) will keep his place and the returning Nathan Smith will need to be content with a place on the bench. Midfielder Manny Oyeleke is also back to full fitness but will also have to be content with a sub’s place. However, defender Adam Crookes is still a little short of returning to the matchday squad.
Read the fan reaction to the Northampton gamePre-match Quote
You don’t have to lift them, they know what’s at stake and Forest Green on Tuesday, if we can get a result there then it pushes us that bit further up the table against a team who are in and around us so it’s great to be involved, all the players are confident and they’ve got that belief that they can win…
Port Vale manager John Askey has belief.
Stats
StatsThe two sides met earlier this season at Vale Park when goals from Richie Bennett and David Amoo (pictured right) gave the Valiants a 2-1 win. When the Vale last travelled to Forest Green, Tom Pope scored a penalty to help secure a 1-1 draw. The overall record between the two sides is dead level with two wins apiece and two draws.
Watch highlights of Vale’s 2-1 win this seasonForm Guide
The win at Northampton Town means that Vale are now unbeaten in their last three games. However, they have still lost two of their last four League away games. Opponents Forest Green have lost four of their last five games including three home games in a row.
Played for both
Defender Callum Evans has seen his first-team appearances for the Valiants limited due to the impressive form of James Gibbons. The former Man United youth teamer spent a year with FGR in 2017 after signing from Barnsley. However, the youngster made just two first-team appearances before being sent on loan to Torquay United. He joined the Valiants this summer after being released by Macclesfield Town.
View our Callum Evans player profileOpposition Guide
Managed by the experienced Mark Cooper, Forest Green are once again chasing a promotion place. The experienced Conrad Logan has been in goal in recent games while former Leamington man Josh March plays upfront. Regular starters in the squad include trio Carl Winchester, Chris Stokes and Kevin Dawson.
Watch the game
Watch the gameA reminder that this game will be streamed live for UK-based Valiants who cannot make the fixture. It’s great news for those of us who live many miles away and struggle to make the journey to and from an away fixture in an evening. To watch the game go to the Port Vale iFollow page…
Go to iFollowClassic clash
The first meeting between the two sides was a bit of a cracker. Drawn together in the FA Cup, the Valiants triumphed 3-2 thanks to goals from Ashley Vincent, Clayton McDonald and Ben Williamson. It was played in front of a crowd of 1,753 and took place in November 2012.
Discuss the match
Discuss the matchDon’t forget that you can discuss the match before, during and after kick-off on our dedicated forum thread. Only registered users can post but why not join our forum for free and debate issues with thousands of other Port Vale fans?
Join our forum here
Add your first comment to this post