Preview: Port Vale vs. Lincoln City - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts only trail their opponents by two points in the League Two table, and have the chance to breakthrough into the top half with three points at the weekend.

Match preview

The 2022-23 season has produced a mixed bag of results for Port Vale so far, with five victories, four draws, and six defeats to their name.

Despite the fact they had gone four without a loss recently, their run was brought to an end in midweek against Ipswich Town when they were beaten 3-2.

Gavin Massey and Nathan Smith had both got on the scoresheet to bring Port Vale back from two goals behind, but the team was unable to hang on, conceding early in the second half to lose the game.

The defensive issues that were shown in that game by Darrell Clarke's men has been a consistent issue at the start of the season, as they have already conceded 22 times.

Port Vale have improved at the other end of the pitch though, scoring in their five previous matches in all competitions, which should provide some confidence to the team.

The visitors will no doubt believe they are prepared for those attacking qualities though as the Imps have kept four clean sheets throughout October so far.

Lincoln City head into this game two points and four places above their opponents, which could be extended by the end of play on Saturday afternoon.

Not only would a victory provide a larger gap between the two teams, but it could move them to just a single place of the playoff positions, if other results go their way.

In midweek the Imps were able to defeat a team ahead of them in League One, as Daniel Mandroiu's goal was enough to separate them and Barnsley.

Away from home is where Lincoln have secured four of their five victories so far this season, and that confidence on the road is something that will likely be on display this weekend.

Port Vale League One form:

L

L

W

D

W

L

Port Vale form (all competitions):

L

W

D

W

W

L

Lincoln City League One form:

W

L

D

W

D

W

Lincoln City form (all competitions):

L

D

W

W

D

W

Team News

With seven goals to his name in all competitions Ellis Harrison has been the main attacking threat for Port Vale so far this season, and he is likely to retain his place in the team on Saturday.

At the other end of the field Will Forrester put in an impressive performance in midweek, and he could be set to be part of an unchanged back three.

Mandroiu is going to be a danger man for the visitors, especially as he is fresh from finding the back of the net in midweek.

Considering Lincoln put out an impressive performance in their 1-0 victory, it could be the same starting XI that is used this weekend with no fresh injury concerns.

Port Vale possible starting lineup:

Stone; Forrester, Smith, Hall; Worrall, Garrity, Conlon, Jones, Massey; Harrison, Wilson

Lincoln City possible starting lineup:

Rushworth; Walsh, Poole, O'Connor; Roughan, Sanders, Virtue, Eyoma; Diamond, Mandroiu, House

We say: Port Vale 0-2 Lincoln City

Port Vale have been scoring a lot of goals recently, but on Saturday they come up against a strong defensive unit which will create a genuine test.

Both teams have been in better form as of late, but it is Lincoln City who come into this one in the midst of an undefeated streak, which could continue here.

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