Port Vale (A) Dec 7th, 12.30pm k.o

"O listen! for the Vale profound
Is overflowing with the sound"

Wordsworth

Well, if ever there was a top-of-the-table clash, a real six-pointer … here you have it. Vale are ahead of us by a single point, and we have a game in hand. We are 4 points clear of the chasing pack in the play-off zone and a fairly comfortable 20 points above the drop.

Vale at home in the F A Cup (3rd round) was one of my earliest experiences of a “full” Fellows Park - we had disposed of Southampton in the 2nd round and 21,811 were somehow squeezed in for the Port Vale game, which we lost 0-1. I have no personal hate towards Vale, except that for reasons which eluded me at the time Tony Richards left us and went to Vale Park - his injury record appeared to be the main cause, but he went to Vale and ended up as their top goalscorer for the next 2 seasons.

I was surprised to see that Vale’s history (like ours) has included being something of a shuttlecock between Divisions III (North) and (South) - I mean, Port Vale in Div III (South)?

As the leaders in League 2 I would have expected their current form to be outstanding, but it really isn’t that strong…

October 22nd Harrogate Town (A) Won 0-1
October 26th AFC Wimbledon (H) Won 3-2
November 9th Gillingham (A) Lost 1-0
November 16th Morecambe (A) Won 0-1
November 25th Crewe Alexandra (H) Drew 1-1
December 3rd Cheltenham Town (A) Drew 1-1

Compare that to M K Dons, who have won their last 6 games (thus gaining 7 points on Vale).

Mat Sadler’s team selection does not seem to have any new injury concerns, although we don’t know just how serious the damage was to Jamie Jellis’s calf - he may possibly make the bench. Harry Williams certainly made his presence felt against Notts County, but clattering into opposition players within spitting distance of the pelanty area is to be discouraged.

In 18 League 2 games Vale have managed to score 26 goals, which is fractionally less than 1.5 goals per game - in our 17 games we’ve scored 33, which marks a healthy difference between the two sides. Nevertheless with Vale’s home advantage it would perhaps be unwise to predict a Saddlers win, and I for one would be quite happy with a point - say a 1-1 result with Nathan Lowe netting for us. That would keep us within striking distance of top place, still with a game in hand.

UTS

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A lovely preview.

Very excited for this. Possibly our biggest away following of the whole season. Does anyone know if we’ve shifted those last few hundred to take us through 3,000?

It will be more of a Bromley than a Notts Country type game. These are quite ugly. Patience will be the key.

If we come away with anything other than a loss I’ll be chuffed to bits.

Like Welsh, I’ll go 1-1. Williams. 9,765. (2,931).

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Nothing game…2-1 to the reds :face_with_peeking_eye::wink::facepunch:

Would take a point now every day of the week in what will probably be the most difficult game of the season.

I think we’re likely to see the same team as Tuesday night, just need to hope we respond to what will be a cracking atmosphere. They certainly have a bit more experience, which might be a big factor in such an important game.

Might well be a P-P if the weather forecasts are to be believed.

Should avoid the worst of it.

Steady away win, 1-2, nay bother.

If Jellis is still out then I think the only change from Tuesday will be Earing in for Hall. I think Sadler will favour his workrate for this game.

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Going to be played in gale if you believe the weather forecasters.Good luck to all those travelling.I would be happy with a draw but it will depend on which team responds best to the conditions. Undecided on which team that will be.

Driving from N Wales, where we have a 65mph Amber wind warning - should be fun :face_with_peeking_eye:

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2800 currently sold

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According to the BBC the weather forcast for Stoke from 12 through 'till 3 on Saturday is rain with winds of 53 to 55mph thanks to storm Darragh. Gonna be a bit rough.

Their match thread.
Upthesaddlers (the rivalry thread) makes an appearance on page 4.

Jellis a possibility for Saturday

Comley and Farquharson both have had setbacks

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2 months for Fark?

He’s got to be one of the worst signings of the last decade. Waste of time and money. He’s got to be one of the first players to get rid of.

Ludicrous.

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I hope he scores a hat-trick.

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Far from the worst, but disappointing with his injuries.

Shame because when he plays, he’s great.

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We should name Alan Buckley on the substitutes bench, just for the psychological effect!

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I don’t envy you.

Interesting profile on Carol Shanahan in the Indie.

Not sure if it is available to subscribers only.
Incidentally, they are doing a years online subscription for 20 quid at the moment, if anyone is interested.

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