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

While the home side occupies 11th position in League One, the visitors are currently in 19th place, although they are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions.

Match preview

Port Vale enjoyed a run of three straight competitive victories, but they were unable to continue their winning run against Bristol Rovers last Saturday.

Their away meeting with the Gas looked to be heading towards a goalless draw until Aaron Collins snatched all three points with an 87th-minute winner that condemned Port Vale to a 1-0 defeat.

The Valiants were hoping they would have the chance to respond during the week, but their EFL Trophy game against Salford City was postponed, leaving them with plenty of time to focus on Saturday's contest.

With only two points separating them from the playoff places, Darrell Clarke's side knows that a win against Accrington could help them improve on their current position and move them closer to the top six.

They will certainly be confident that they can claim three points after winning both of their last two home matches in League One.

While the Valiants are targeting the playoffs, at the other end of the table, Accrington are looking to move away from the bottom four.

Although only one point separates them from the relegation zone, they are currently enjoying a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Accrington's league meeting with Portsmouth was postponed last weekend, but they continued an impressive run of results with a 4-2 victory over Burton Albion in the EFL Trophy during the week.

Despite trailing on two occasions, a Harvey Rodgers brace as well as goals from Joe Pritchard and Tommy Leigh helped Accrington secure their place in the quarter-finals.

While their overall form may be encouraging, Accrington have won only one of their previous nine league matches despite picking up four points from their last two League One games.

Port Vale League One form:

W

D

L

W

W

L

Port Vale form (all competitions):

L

L

W

W

W

L

Accrington Stanley League One form:

L

L

D

L

W

D

Accrington Stanley form (all competitions):

L

W

W

W

D

W

Team News

Port Vale are still without the services of Funso Ojo, who has not featured for the side since September due to an injury issue.

After returning from a spell on the sidelines to play 70 minutes against Bristol Rovers, Ellis Harrison is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup, with Clarke set to name an unchanged side.

Harrison will be looking to add to the seven league goals he has scored this season when he partners James Wilson in the forward line.

As for the visitors, Coleman named a strong side for the EFL Trophy win over Burton, and he could be tempted to select an unchanged lineup for Saturday's game.

Despite scoring two goals in midweek, Rodgers will be focused on his defensive duties when he lines up in a back three alongside Douglas Tharme and Ryan Astley.

After scoring in midweek, Leigh has now scored seven goals in all competitions, and he is set to feature in a front two alongside Shaun Whalley.

Port Vale possible starting lineup:

Stevens; Smith, Jones, Hall; Worrall, Garrity, Conlon, Benning; Politic; Wilson, Harrison

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:

Jensen; Astley, Tharme, Rodgers; Clark, Coyle, Conneely, Hamilton, Pritchard; Whalley, Leigh

We say: Port Vale 2-2 Accrington Stanley

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