Preview: Accrington Stanley vs. Port Vale - prediction, team news, lineups

Like their hosts, the Valiants are also enduring a poor run of form after failing to win any of their last four matches.

Match preview

Accrington were not in action last weekend, ensuring that they have had plenty of time to reflect on a demoralising 5-0 defeat to Exeter City in their most recent outing.

The disappointing result represented their fourth straight loss and leaves John Coleman's side with just one point from their last six matches.

With three points separating them from safety, relegation-threatened Accrington now face an almighty battle to preserve their League One status in their final eight games.

Having scored just seven of their 30 league goals in the first half of matches, Coleman will be keen to see a quick start from his side on Friday.

This will be Accrington's first home meeting against Port Vale since January 2018, but they can draw inspiration from the fact that they have won three and drawn one of their last four home matches against the Valiants.

Port Vale are currently 10 points clear of the drop zone and look well set to stave off relegation after winning promotion to League One last season.

However, Darrell Clarke will be keen for his side to return to winning ways after picking up just two points from their last four matches.

In their most recent outing, the Valiants suffered a second straight home defeat after losing 2-0 to a Cambridge side that are languishing in 23rd place.

Having won only two of their last 15 league games, Port Vale will be looking to show signs of improvement in their final seven matches, beginning with Friday's away meeting with Accrington.

Claiming all three points at the Wham Stadium may be a tough ask though, as Port Vale have failed to win their last seven away games since beating Forest Green Rovers on New Year's Day.

Accrington Stanley League One form:

L

D

L

L

L

L

Port Vale League One form:

L

W

D

L

D

L

Team News

Accrington are hopeful that Liam Coyle and Ethan Hamilton will recover from their respective injury issues to feature in the matchday squad.

After serving a two-match suspension for collecting 10 yellow cards, Doug Tharme is expected to return to the starting lineup.

Aaron Pressley dropped down to the bench for the defeat to Exeter, but he could be recalled to the side to partner Korede Adedoyin in a front two.

Port Vale, meanwhile, are unable to call upon the services of Lewis Cass and Ben Garrity, who are both sidelined with calf injuries.

Will Forrester came into the side for Saturday's meeting with Cambridge, and although the contest ended in defeat, he is expected to retain his place in the backline alongside Nathan Smith and Aaron Donnelly.

After featuring as a second-half substitute at the weekend, James Wilson could be brought into the side to partner Matty Taylor in the forward line.

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:

Jensen; Fernandes, Tharme, Rodgers, Clark, McConville, Martin, Longelo-Mbule; Leigh; Adedoyin, Pressley

Port Vale possible starting lineup:

Stone; Forrester, Smith, Donnelly; Worrall, Ojo, Pett, Conlon, Robinson; Taylor, Harrison

We say: Accrington Stanley 1-1 Port Vale

Accrington and Port Vale played out a 1-1 draw when they met in February, and with both sides struggling for victories, we think that Friday's fixture will also finish all square.

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