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

The visitors, meanwhile, will head into the second-round tie off the back of an underwhelming run of form after winning just one of their last six matches.

Match preview

Stevenage are targeting back-to-back promotions after racking up 36 points from 20 games to leave them in fourth position in League One with three points separating them from the top two.

Although Steve Evans's side are enjoying a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitons, they would have been disappointed to miss out on all three points in Tuesday's home clash with Peterborough.

Luther James-Wildin and Ben Thompson grabbed a goal apiece to give Stevenage a two-goal lead at the break, but a second-half comeback saw Peterborough score two goals of their own to ensure the spoils were shared.

After seeing a run of six consecutive victories come to an end, Stevenage will be desperate to return to winning ways on Saturday, as they face Port Vale for the second time this season following a goalless draw in October's league fixture.

If they are able to record a victory this weekend, it would secure them a place in the FA Cup third round for the second season in a row.

In contrast to their hosts, Port Vale are enduring a tough time in the league this season, having mustered 19 points from 18 matches to leave them just three points clear of the relegation zone.

The Valiants were unable to add to their tally in midweek, as Derby County's Tyreece John-Jules scored a 77th-minute winner to condemn Port Vale to a narrow 1-0 defeat, extending their winless league run to 11 matches.

Although they have struggled in the league, Port Vale can be pleased with their progress in the three cup competitions, having reached the EFL Trophy knockout rounds and the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup for the first time in their history.

Meanwhile, they booked their place in the second round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 away win over Burton Albion in a replay after the initial fixture produced a goalless draw.

They will be hoping to continue their fine cup form with a win in Saturday's away encounter, which would secure their place in the round three for the third time in five seasons.

Stevenage FA Cup form:

W

Stevenage form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

D

Port Vale FA Cup form:

D

W

Port Vale form (all competitions):

D

L

D

W

L

L

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Team News

Stevenage defender Nathan Thompson is a doubt after being forced off with a head injury in the second half of Tuesday's draw with Peterborough.

Having featured as a substitute in the last two matches, midfielder Nick Freeman could be presented with a starting berth.

Louis Thompson and Elliott List may also come into the side, with Evans looking to keep his side fresh amid the busy schedule.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without Dan Jones, Josh Thomas, Kofi Balmer, Conor Grant, Mitch Clark and James Wilson due to injury.

Crosby could be tempted to freshen up his squad with a few changes, which could result in Jesse Debrah replacing Alex Iacovitti in the back three.

Midfielder Ethan Chislett and forward Ryan Loft may also be given the chance to start Saturday's FA Cup meeting.

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Ashby-Harris; James-Wildin, Vancooten, Piergianni, Butler; L. Thompson, Freeman, B.Thompson; Roberts; List, Reid

Port Vale possible starting lineup:

Ripley; Smith, Debrah, Lowe; Massey, Garrity, Ojo, Sang; Chislett, Devine; Loft

We say: Stevenage 2-1 Port Vale

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