Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: January 09, 2026 | Vale Park | Emirates FA Cup | 19:30 GMT

With January arriving, it is finally time where we head to the FA Cup third round proper as EFL League One’s bottom side Port Vale welcome League Two Fleetwood Town to Vale Park with both sides looking to make a deep run in the competition.

The hosts will be hoping that this can be the year they can reach another semi-final, and one that would come over 70 before their best run in the tournament. As for Fleetwood, it has been just three years since their magical fifth round run, and a win could set them up for what could be a fairytale run.

We believe that this could be a very tight affair, but also a clash that could see Port Vale come out on top.

Key Betting Tip: Port Vale to Win at 1.65 odds on Kwiff represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our algorithm.

This match looks exciting from a Port Vale win outlook. The Vale are of course in the league above of Friday’s visitors, so they are therefore the side who are favourites to advance. Despite their poor league season, a thumping 5-1 victory over Blackpool in their last game could give them all the confidence needed to make it consecutive wins.

odds subject to change.

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town Lineups

Port Vale Predicted XI (3-5-2): Ben Amos; Cameron Humphreys, Ben Heneghan, Kyle John; Marvin Johnson, Jordan Shipley, George Byers, Ryan Croasdale, Mitchell Clark; Devante Cole, Jayden Stockley.

Team News: There are no new injuries or suspensions for this clash.

Fleetwood Town Predicted XI (3-1-4-2): Jay Lynch; Zech Medley, Conor Haughey, Tobias Mullarkey; Harrison Neal; Lewis McCann, Mark Helm, Matthew Virtue, Ethan Ennis; Ched Evans, Ryan Graydon.

Team News: There are no new injuries or suspensions for this clash.

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town: Road to Round 3

Port Vale have a had a relatively straightforward path to the third round proper. Entering the competition in round one, Port Vale have had the kind privilege from the hat to play all three of their games at home, first playing the lowest-ranked side to make the first-round proper in Maldon & Tiptree who they swept away in 5-1 fashion. Last month, they were then tasked with a home tie against a struggling fourth tier Bristol Rovers, whom they also defeated, this time with a 1-0 scoreline.

As for Fleetwood, they also entered from the first round stage. They have been put through the ringer to say the least too, firstly edging a very tight game against fellow League Two side in Barnet. They then had arguably one of the toughest fixtures in round two, tasked to take down Luton Town – a side who were in the Premier Legaue just two seasons ago. Despite conceding a 93rd minute equaliser, they were able to dig deep and win 4-2 on penalties.

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town Head-to-Head Timeline

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

Through the last 15 years, these sides have met on 17 occasions. They have had some incredible matches, with their last meeting a six-goal thriller in the EFL Trophy earlier on this campaign, to give us a taste of what we could be in for. In all, the head-to-head is ridiculously close, with Port Vale winning six times to Fleetwood’s five.

• November 11, 2025: Port Vale 3-3p Fleetwood – EFL Trophy
• March 8, 2025: Fleetwood 1-1 Port Vale – League Two
• October 19, 2024: Port Vale 3-1 Fleetwood – League Two
• February 27, 2024: Port Vale 2-2 Fleetwood - League One
• February 3, 2024: Fleetwood 3-0 Port Vale - League One

Port Vale and Fleetwood Town: Recent Matches Analysis

Port Vale Last 5 Matches:

• Port Vale 5-1 Blackpool (H)
• Port Vale 0-1 Bradford (A)
• Port Vale 0-5 Huddersfield (A)
• Port Vale 0-1 Peterborough (H)
• Port Vale 2-2 Luton (A)

The Valiants have had an incredibly bad season on their return to the third tier, but victory at the weekend saw the gap close to just 10 points. Their results across the past month have not been good at all, aside from a solid 2-2 draw with the Hatters. After going three games without a goal until the weekend, however, they will be pleased to have scored five and get three important points on the board.

Fleetwood Town Last 5 Matches:

• Fleetwood 0-1 Grimsby (H)
• Fleetwood 0-0 Salford (A)
• Fleetwood 0-1 Tranmere (A)
• Fleetwood 2-1 Gillingham (H)
• Fleetwood 2-0 Newport (A)

After looking like they could challenge for a rise back into the third tier, Fleetwood have fallen off the boil in recent weeks. They have lost two of their last three and haven’t scored a league goal since before Christmas. They come into the game having scored just four goals in their last five games, while shipping just three, so if they can solve their offensive struggles, an upset could be on the cards.

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with confidence in a home win. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: Port Vale to Win @ 1.65 - Recent form suggests confidence in a home win. With a staggering 53.30% chance of Port Vale advancing according to our incredible in-house algorithm, this seems like a strong value option.

Key Players to Watch: Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town

Devante Cole (Port Vale): Cole is the man who stands out like a sore thumb when it comes to goals. He has six – four more than any of his teammates – from just 17 appearances. He managed to record a goal and an assist in the game against Blackpool last weekend, so it cannot be ruled out that Cole may not be on to add to his impressive tally on Friday.

Ryan Graydon (Fleetwood): The Irishman has been Fleetwood’s star so far this year, scoring eight goals in the league to date. He bagged goals in each of Fleetwood’s last two scoring games too, so they will hope he can find his finishing touch once again on Friday to help his side progress.

Honourable Mention: We have to also give Ethan Ennis (Fleetwood) his flowers. Although he may not start in this one, we cannot overlook his form in the competition, having bagged a brace in a brilliant win over Luton. He also has seven goal contributions this season, so is definitely one to keep an eye on, even if it is off the bench.

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town Match Facts

Referee: Information not available.

Broadcast Details:

UK/INT’L: discovery+, TNT Sports 7 at 19:30 GMT.

Stadium Information: Located in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Vale Park can hold up to just over 19,000 supporters, and this venue is expected to be packed for this clash, with this clash having much at stake for both sides.

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Town: Final Prediction

Port Vale 3-1 Fleetwood Town