Port Vale vs Blackpool: Expert Match Preview
Port Vale is set to host Blackpool on New Year’s Day at Vale Park as they kick off 2026. The Valiants come into this match following a narrow defeat against Bradford City, where a second-half strike from the opposition determined the outcome.
Recent Performance Insights
Jordan Shipley, a key player for Port Vale, expressed the team’s resolve after the recent loss. He emphasized the need for consistent battling performances, stating, “We have to do that every game now; that’s the standard we’ve set ourselves.”
Overview of Blackpool
Blackpool has a storied history, having been a one-season Premier League team during the 2010/11 season. The club experienced four years in the Championship before suffering back-to-back relegations, which led to their stint in League Two.
Fortunately, they made a swift return to League One, subsequently alternating between the third tier and the Championship for eight years. Currently, Blackpool ranks 13th in the league, just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Recent Form
The Tangerines started the season poorly but have shown improvement since Ian Evatt took charge in late October. Following a change in management, they have recorded a remarkable win against Rotherham United, finishing 4-0.
Coaching and Team Stats
Ian Evatt, now leading Blackpool, has overseen fourteen matches with an impressive win rate of 57%. Before joining Blackpool, Evatt managed Barrow and Bolton Wanderers, where he guided his teams through over 250 matches and won the EFL Trophy.
Player to Watch
Ashley Fletcher stands out as a pivotal player for Blackpool. The striker has made significant contributions this season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists. Currently, he is in peak form, surpassing his career-best goal tally with a total of thirteen.
Historical Matchup
Port Vale has historically performed well against Blackpool, with a notable victory of 2-0 on November 24, 2015. In that match, Vale secured the win with two late goals in a dominant second half.
- 82nd Minute: AJ Leitch-Smith scored following a pass from Sam Kelly.
- 86th Minute: Chris Birchall sealed the game with a first-time finish from an Uche Ikpeazu cutback.
As the Valiants prepare to face the Tangerines, fans are eager to see if they can reclaim their winning form in this exciting New Year’s clash at Vale Park.
