Two teams at opposite ends of the League Two table will clash on Saturday when promotion-hunting Port Vale host relegation-battling Morecambe.
The hosts are sixth in the league table with 61 points from 36 games, while the visitors are 23rd in the standings with 30 points from 37 league fixtures.
Match preview
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Port Vale earned their promotion from League Two as they won the playoffs in 2021-22, but just two years later and the Valiants suffered relegation back into the fourth division, as they finished 23rd in League One last season.
However, Port Vale are in the fight for an instant promotion back to the third division, currently sitting sixth in the League Two table with 61 points from 36 games, after 16 wins, 13 draws and seven defeats.
Those results leave them two points behind third-placed AFC Wimbledon in the automatic promotion place, while they hold only a four-point lead over eighth-placed Crewe Alexandra.
Darren Moore's side do hold a game in hand on the teams around them that could prove crucial in their promotion hopes, as a win could move them into the top three.
While Moore will certainly be aware of that, the manager's focus will first be on Saturday's matchup with Morecambe, as building a winning end to the season could ensure their rebound back to League One.
The hosts most recently ended a four-game winless run by defeating MK Dons 3-0, and the manager will be hopeful that his side can use that triumph as a building block for the final 10 matches of the campaign.
Port Vale will certainly be the favourites heading into the clash, as the visitors are at the opposite end of the table and fighting against relegation from the Football League.
Morecambe have been a part of the Football League since last earning promotion from the National League in 2006-07, but their status in the top four divisions is at threat of coming to an end this term.
The Shrimps are 23rd in the League Two table with only 30 points from 37 fixtures, after eight wins, six draws and 23 defeats, leaving them six points adrift of safety.
Derek Adams, who took charge in June 2024, will be encouraged by his side securing one win, one draw and one defeat from their past three outings, and they will need to build on those results in the final nine fixtures if they are to survive.
While Morecambe and Port Vale have shared similar results against each other in recent meetings, the Shrimps have failed to win at Vale Park in any of the last three visits, losing on each occasion.
Team News
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Port Vale ended a four-game winless run by defeating MK Dons 3-0 in their last outing, and Moore could look to name a similar team in search of the same result here.
Jayden Stockley took his tally to eight for the season and four in his last seven in that victory, and the striker should feature with Ronan Curtis and Lorent Tolaj in attack.
As for the visitors, Max Taylor will be unavailable for selection after receiving a red card just 28 minutes into the 2-2 draw with Barrow, meaning Yann Songo'o, Jamie Stott and Rhys Williams could start in central defence.
In attack, Lee Angol and Gwion Edwards both scored in that match, and both could start alongside either Jordan Slew or Andrew Dallas on Saturday.
Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Amos; Debrah, Heneghan, Hall; Clark, Byers, Walters, John; Tolaj, Curtis; Stockley
Morecambe possible starting lineup:
Burgoyne; Williams, Songo'o, Stott; Millen, Cooke, White, Lewis; Edwards; Angol, Dallas
We say: Port Vale 3-1 Morecambe
Port Vale are certainly the favourites given the difference in league position, and with the hosts also winning each of the last three clashes at Vale Park, we expect another victory for the Valiants.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
