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Sports Mole previews Monday’s League Two clash between Port Vale and Crewe Alexandra, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Port Vale and Crewe Alexandra will be looking to claim derby bragging rights when they face off at Vale Park on Monday.
The hosts are currently leading the way in League Two, while the visitors are sitting five points adrift in fifth position.
Match preview
Port Vale are making a real effort to secure an immediate return to League One after winning 10, drawing three and losing three of their 16 league games this season.
The Valiants put together a run of five consecutive league victories before their winning run was brought to an end with a 1-0 away defeat to Gillingham earlier this month.
After seeing his side fall to a narrow loss, Darren Moore would have been pleased with his team’s response in their recent outing against Morecambe, with Ethan Chislett netting an 83rd-minute winner to seal a 1-0 away victory.
Having competed in back-to-back away league games, Port Vale will return to the home comforts of Vale Park, where they have avoided defeat in their previous five league matches (W4, D1).
The Valiants will be looking to continue their impressive record against Crewe after winning all of their last four league meetings by a 1-0 scoreline.
Like their hosts, Crewe are firmly in the promotion picture after winning eight, drawing four and losing three of their 15 league matches this season.
Lee Bell‘s side have embarked on an impressive run of form since suffering their most recent defeat in the fourth tier in September, with their last seven league matches yielding four wins and three draws.
Last time out, The Railwaymen recorded a 2-0 home victory over Notts County, courtesy of a Shillow Tracey effort and a Ryan Cooney penalty.
After extending their unbeaten home run to seven league games, Crewe will know head on their travels for Monday’s derby clash, knowing that a win would be enough to move them into second place and just two points behind Port Vale.
However, that may be easier said than done due to the fact they have not beaten the Valiants since they recorded a 1-0 away victory in August 2017.
Port Vale League Two form:
Port Vale form (all competitions):
Crewe Alexandra League Two form:
Crewe Alexandra form (all competitions):
Team News
Port Vale remain without the services of captain Ben Garrity, who has missed the last four matches through injury.
George Byers, Mitch Clark and Kyle John have all returned to training, but it remains to be seen whether any of the trio will be ready for Monday’s fixture.
Defender Jesse Debrah is back in contention after he was forced to sit out the victory over Morecambe due to a knock.
As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon Connor Thomas, Kane Hemmings and Nathan Robinson due to injury.
Forward Chris Long will also miss the derby clash after being sent off in the closing stages of the win over Notts County.
Adrien Thibaut is set to feature on the Crewe bench after returning from international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side.
Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Ripley; Debrah, Heneghan, Hall; Cover, Sang, Croasdale, Grant; Chislett, Curtis; Stockley
Crewe Alexandra possible starting lineup:
Marschall; Connolly, Demetriou, Williams; Cooney, Holicek, Sanders, Tabiner, Conway; Tracey, Bogle
We say: Port Vale 1-1 Crewe Alexandra
Port Vale will be looking to make full use of home advantage after winning four of their previous five league matches at Vale Park.
However, we think they will have to settle for a draw when they face a Crewe side that have avoided defeat in seven consecutive league games.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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