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

The Ammies will attempt to claim a third consecutive victory, while the visitors will look to bounce back after a run of three straight wins was brought to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers.

Match preview

Salford have won their last two matches in all competitions after they followed a 1-0 win against Bradford City in the EFL Trophy with a 3-0 victory over Gillingham in their most recent outing, before Saturday's meeting with Walsall was postponed.

The Ammies played out a goalless first half against Gillingham, before Theo Vassell opened the scoring in the 54th minute, and further goals from Ryan Watson and Callum Hendry helped Salford end a four-game winless run in League Two.

They are currently two points adrift of the top seven, but they will put their playoff push on hold to focus on Tuesday's EFL Trophy game.

Salford began the competition with a win over Liverpool Under 21s, and they picked up bonus points with penalty shootout victories over Accrington Stanley and Rochdale, ensuring Neil Wood's side topped their group.

The Ammies beat Bradford in the previous round, and they will now attempt to book their place in the quarter-finals, as they look to win the competition for a second time after they lifted the trophy in the 2019-20 season.

Meanwhile, Port Vale missed the chance to claim their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions when they faced Bristol Rovers at the weekend.

The contest looked to be heading towards a goalless draw until Aaron Collins scored an 87th-minute winner for Bristol Rovers to condemn Port Vale to a 1-0 defeat.

The Valiants will now turn their attention to the EFL Trophy, and they will be aiming to continue their impressive form in the competition after winning all four of their matches.

In the round of 32, goals from Dennis Politic and David Worrall helped Port Vale secure a 2-1 victory over Barnsley to set up a last 16 tie with Salford.

The visitors will have to improve on their travels if they are to reach the quarter-finals after winning only one of their last four away games.

Salford City EFL Trophy form:

W

D

W

W

Salford City form (all competitions):

L

D

L

L

W

W

Port Vale EFL Trophy form:

W

W

W

W

Port Vale form (all competitions):

L

L

W

W

W

L

Team News

Salford will be without the services of Stevie Mallan and Liam Shephard, who are both long-term injury absentees.

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Wood could be tempted to name an unchanged lineup for Tuesday's contest.

Jason Lowe was an unused substitute for the win over Gillingham after returning from a spell on the sidelines, and he could be given minutes off the bench against Port Vale.

As for the visitors, they are likely to still be without the services of Funso Ojo, although Ellis Harrison made his return from injury on Saturday to play nearly 70 minutes against Bristol Rovers.

After keeping consecutive clean sheets, Dan Jones is set to retain his place in a back three alongside Nathan Smith and Connor Hall.

Darrell Clark could make a couple of changes to his side, with Gavin Massey and Daniel Butterworth both in contention for starting spots.

Salford City possible starting lineup:

King; Bolton, Vassell, Nartey, Touray; Watson, Watt; Tolaj, Hendry, Bailey, Smith

Port Vale possible starting lineup:

Stevens; Smith, Jones, Hall; Worrall, Garrity, Conlon, Benning; Butterworth, Massey, Harrison

We say: Salford City 1-2 Port Vale

Previews by email