Port Vale vs Wrexham

Port Vale welcomed Wrexham for a midweek fixture in the EFL Trophy.

Key Stats

• Wrexham have only won one of their last five games
• Port Vale have won only lost two of their nine home matches so far this season
• Both of these sides have already qualified for their next round of the competition ahead of Wolves under 21s and Salford City

Team Previews, Form and Standout Players

Both of these teams look like some of the most dangerous in their respective divisions this season. However, it’s Wrexham that find themselves fighting for a place in the Championship.

Port Vale Preview

Port Vale Predicted Line-up: Connor Ripley; Connor Hall, Ben Heneghan, Jesse Debrah; Conor Grant, Ryan Croasdale, Tom Sang, Brandon Cover; Ronan Curtis, Jayden Stockley, Rico Richards

After 15 games, it’s almost pretty safe to say that Darren Moore’s Port Vale have been the best side in League Two so far this season. At the time of writing, they sit top of the league with 30 points, nine wins, three draws and three losses. It’s very tight at the top, with Walsall, Notts County and Doncaster Rovers all just three points behind them.

Whilst this is a big game for both teams, considering they’ll already be through, Vale could use this as a chance to rest ahead of the busy Christmas period.

So far this season, a player that we like to highlight is 23-year-old forward Lorent Tolaj. The former Brighton & Hove Albion man is a versatile forward off the back of destroying the National League with Aldershot Town last season. This campaign, he already has three goals and five assists.

Wrexham Preview

Wrexham Predicted Line-up: Arthur Okonkwo; James McClean, Thomas O'Connor, Dan Scarr, Max Cleworth, Ryan Barnett; Elliot Lee, George Dobson, Andy Cannon; Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer

Wrexham continue to impress no matter what division they go into. In their League One, they sit third with 28 points from 14 games. Just four points behind current league leaders Wycombe Wanderers.

Phil Parkinson’s play-style has prevailed once again, and even if they don’t get promoted this season, they’ll have a strong case to be right back up there next season.

Striker Jack Marriot has scored five League One goals for Wrexham and looks like one of their standout players. However, it’s hard to look like George Dobson, who has been an anchor in midfield protecting the defence.

Head-to-head Stats: Port Vale vs Wrexham

7th November 2023 - Wrexham 2-1 Port Vale - FA Trophy

14th August 2007 - Port Vale 1-2 Wrexham - EFL Cup

4th November 2005 -Port Vale 2-1 Wrexham - FA Cup

26th April 2005 - Port Vale 0-2 Wrexham - League One

21th August 2004 - Wrexham 1-1 Port Vale - League One

Port Vale vs Wrexham: Predictions

We’re backing Wrexham to win this match. Through our bookmakers, you can get odds of 5/4 which would return £22.50 from a £10 stake.

Port Vale are at home, but have recently shown that they can lose to League One opposition despite that in the FA Cup recently (a 1-3 loss to Barnsley). Wrexham have reinforced their squad with high level League One players. Yes, Port Vale were there just last season, but they arguably didn’t have the quality to face Wrexham then, let alone now.

Final Prediction: Port Vale vs Wrexham

Port Vale 0-2 Wrexham