Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town: Prediction, Team Updates, and Lineups
The upcoming EFL Trophy clash sees Port Vale take on Fleetwood Town at Vale Park. This match is crucial for both teams, with Port Vale sitting at the top of their group and aiming to secure their progression, while Fleetwood Town seeks to improve their standing.
Match Overview: Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town
Port Vale holds first position with six points in their group. They need a victory to ensure they finish ahead of Fleetwood Town, who currently have five points. Fleetwood recently secured a significant win, defeating Leeds United Under-21s 4-0 on October 7.
Recent Performances
Port Vale has had a mixed run in the EFL Trophy. They achieved a 4-1 victory against Leeds United Under-21s in September and a 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley in October. Despite this success in the trophy, their league form is concerning, as they currently sit in 23rd place in League One with only 13 points. This includes a heavy 4-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers, marking three games out of four without scoring.
- Poor league position: 23rd in League One
- Recent league performance: One win in five matches
- Best recent home performance: FA Cup 5-1 win against Maldon & Tiptree
In contrast, Fleetwood Town recently suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Crawley Town, despite being reduced to ten men early in the match. Currently positioned 13th in League Two with 22 points, they have managed to score in their last six outings.
- Fleetwood’s recent form: One loss in their last six matches
- Winless in three matches against Port Vale
Team News and Expected Lineups
Port Vale is expected to field a back three comprised of Jesse Debrah, Ben Heneghan, and Kyle John, protecting goalkeeper Ben Amos. Ryan Croasdale and Rhys Walters are likely to start together in midfield, with Mo Faal and Jayden Stockley up front.
- Port Vale Possible Lineup:
- Amos; Debrah, Heneghan, John; Curtis, Croasdale, Walters, Shorrock; Paton; Faal, Stockley
Fleetwood Town may deploy a familiar setup with attacker Ronan Coughlan supporting forwards James Norwood and Will Davies. Expect Harrison Neal and George Morrison to play crucial roles in midfield.
- Fleetwood Town Possible Lineup:
- Harrington; Haughey, Holgate, Hughes; McCann, Neal, Morrison, Roberts; Coughlan; Norwood, Davies
Match Prediction
Although Port Vale competes in a higher division, their current form raises questions about their ability to secure a win. Fleetwood Town, despite their own struggles, may capitalize on Port Vale’s difficulties in attack. A close match is expected, with predictions leaning toward a 2-1 victory for Fleetwood Town.
This match not only holds significance for advancement in the EFL Trophy but also serves as an opportunity for both teams to shift their momentum in what has been an inconsistent period.
