Preview: Forest Green Rovers vs. Port Vale - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one following a loss at home to Burton Albion, while the visitors make the trip with a point to prove owing to a defeat against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.

Match preview

Forest Green have endured a torrid time this season and sit 23rd in the League One table with just 20 points from 24 matches under Ian Burchnall.

The Green have been caught out all too often this season at the back and have conceded 46 goals in their 24 matches, giving them the worst defensive record in the division.

Last time out, Forest Green were on the end of a 2-1 loss at home to Burton Albion, as strikes from John Brayford and Bobby Kamwa sealed the three points for the visitors despite a Myles Peart-Harris consolation.

Frustratingly, this result condemned Forest Green to their third straight league defeat, something that will need to change swiftly in order for them to avoid being cut adrift in the relegation zone.

On Sunday, Burchnall will hope that his players can turn the tide, with the possibility present for Forest Green to move out of the relegation places with a victory.

Port Vale have enjoyed a solid campaign so far and occupy ninth in the league standings with 32 points from 23 matches with Darrell Clarke at the helm.

The Valiants are only three points outside the playoff positions and have made huge strides in League One following on from their promotion last season.

Ellis Harrison in particular has been a key threat for Port Vale this year, registering seven goals and one assist in 20 fixtures within 2022-23.

Nevertheless, they will be looking to avenge their 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in midweek, as a Michael Smith double settled a comfortable win for the Owls at Hillsborough.

Should Port Vale clinch a win over Forest Green, they could move level on points with the playoff places if other results in the league fall their way.

Forest Green Rovers League One form:

D

W

W

L

L

L

Forest Green Rovers form (all competitions):

W

W

W

L

L

L

Port Vale League One form:

L

W

W

L

W

L

Port Vale form (all competitions):

W

W

L

L

W

L

Team News

Forest Green could once again be without Connor Wickham and Sean Robertson for the visit of Port Vale, as both players have missed several matches due to injury.

Mathew Stevens could come into contention for a start following his return from a knock, while Josh March could make way for his inclusion.

Baily Cargill and Ben Stevenson are at risk of suspension if they pick up a yellow card during proceedings this weekend.

For the visitors, Ademipo Odubeko may be entrusted to lead the attack alongside Ellis Harrison, with James Wilson potentially dropping to the bench for the Forest Green match.

Jack Stevens will remain between the sticks for Port Vale, while Will Forrester, Nathan Smith and Connor Hall will retain their places in a back three.

Tom Conlon and Ben Garrity risk suspension if they receive a booking at the Bolt New Lawn Stadium.

Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:

McGee; Bernard, Casey, Cargill; O'Keefe, Stevenson, McGeouch, Boyes; Peart-Harris; Matt, Stevens

Port Vale possible starting lineup:

Stevens; Forrester, Smith, Hall; Massey, Pett, Conlon, Jones; Garrity; Odubeko, Harrison

We say: Forest Green Rovers 1-1 Port Vale

In a match with permutations at both ends of the table, we expect a tightly fought affair that will produce plenty of chances for both sides.

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