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League One | Gameweek 34

Feb 17, 2024 at 3pm UK

Jonny-Rocks Stadium

Cheltenham
3 - 2
Port Vale

Taylor (45+2'), Shepherd (69'), Ferry (73')
Pett (79')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Smith (25'), Davies (65' og.)
Ripley (45+7'), Ojo (52'), Loft (63')

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

By Ben Sully | 15 February 2024

Sports Mole previews Saturday's League One clash between Cheltenham Town and Port Vale, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Darren Moore will take charge of his first game as Port Vale boss when his side take on relegation rivals Cheltenham Town on Saturday.

The Valiants are currently languishing in 21st place in the League One table, while the Robins are two points worse off in 22nd position.

Match preview

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore before the match on February 7, 2023 © Reuters

Cheltenham have bounced back from three consecutive defeats to win back-to-back league games against Cambridge United and Blackpool.

Matty Taylor scored the decisive goal against the U's, before an Elliot Bonds brace proved enough to condemn Blackpool to a 2-0 defeat in midweek.

Although Cheltenham are still sitting in the relegation zone, those two victories have moved them to within three points of safety.

After beating the Tangerines at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium, Cheltenham now have the opportunity to claim consecutive home league wins for the first time since October 2022.

Cheltenham boss Darrell Clarke has the chance to complete a league double over his former side after the Robins recorded a narrow 2-1 victory when the two teams last met in October.

Moore is back in work as Port Vale manager after he was relieved of his duties as Huddersfield Town boss at the end of January.

The 49-year-old, who has penned a five-and-a-half-year contract, takes over a side that are low on confidence following a six-game winless run.

Vale have at least had a week to rest and reflect on last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Stevenage after Tuesday's away game against Peterborough United was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Having won just three of their last 22 league games (D6, L13), Port Vale are currently in the relegation zone with a point separating them from safety.

After failing to win any of their last four games against Cheltenham (D2, L2), the Valiants are hoping to claim a head-to-head victory for the first time since October 2020.

Cheltenham Town League One form:

Port Vale League One form:

Team News

Cheltenham Town remain without the services of striker Rob Street, who is set to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Experienced midfielder Liam Sercombe is likely to return to the side after dropping down to the bench for the midweek win over Blackpool.

Taylor is expected to retain his place in the Cheltenham forward line, having scored two goals in three appearances following his arrival from Forest Green Rovers in the winter transfer window.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon Ben Garrity and Uche Ikpeazu, while there are some doubts surrounding the fitness of Mitch Clark and Dan Gore.

Forward Ryan Loft could return to the starting lineup after missing last Saturday's draw with Stevenage due to illness.

Moore is expected to stick with a back three that was utilised before his arrival, with Nathan Smith, Jesse Debrah and Kacper Lopata likely to operate as the three central defenders.

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Southwood; Davies, Freestone, Shepherd; Long, Sercombe, Bonds, Pett, Ferry; Taylor, Lloyd

Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Ripley; Smith, Debrah, Lopata; Massey, Ojo, Lowe, Grant; Chislett, Weir; Loft

SM words green background

We say: Cheltenham Town 1-1 Port Vale

Moore will be keen to begin his tenure with a victory over a relegation rival, but the visitors may have to settle for a point against a Cheltenham side that have lost just one of their last five home matches.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.