EFL Trophy Preview: Salford City vs Port Vale - Analysis and Insights

Salford City, owned by renowned pundit and ex-footballer Gary Neville, will take on Port Vale in the EFL trophy on Tuesday in a rematch of their League Two league fixture which took place on August the 10th.

After two league games so far this season, the pair of sides have experienced different fortunes at the start of the season, with Salford hovering outside the relegation zone, while Port Vale have made an early push for the promotion places.

Port Vale fans at Salford yesterday #PVFC pic.twitter.com/H3xIRtqRuA

— The Away Ends (@_theawayends) August 11, 2024

As the game edges closer, we take a dive into both sides, attempting to identify players, strategies and absences that could have a significant bearing on the game.

Salford City vs Port Vale Recent Form

Salford have experienced a less than ideal start to their season so far. They have only picked up one point in the league, a goalless draw against Bradford City, which currently placing them in 19th, and also went out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Doncaster in a 2-0 defeat.

However, the most damning statistic of their campaign so far is the fact that in over 270 minutes of football, Salford are yet to put the ball in the back of the net.

This decline in form has come out of the blue, as they had a prolific pre-season which included a surprising 2-1 victory of Premier League side Everton. Scoring 17 goals across 9 pre-season friendlies, it didn’t seem as if their attacking output would be an issue heading into the new season.

But in their first three competitive games, Salford have rarely threatened, and it seems that their attacking players have got a case of early season stage fright. While I cannot see the drought lasting, it certainly isn’t good for the squads confidence, and the longer it goes on, the heavier that burden becomes.

Port Vale will certainly have the benefit of a much brighter outlook heading into this fixture, not least because their only win this season was in fact against Salford City. Winning the game 2-0 in both sides' season opener, Port Vale were then narrowly defeated by Barrow in the cup, before playing out a goalless draw with Tranmere, leaving them fifth after two games.

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean coming for us on his instagram wasn’t on our bingo card.

Got the ball ✅
Great tackle ✅
We move on ✅

Leave us alone, Michael. pic.twitter.com/1Xw3nsxDip

— Port Vale FC (@OfficialPVFC) August 18, 2024

If they are able to consolidate their dominance over Salford in their first game of the season, it will have laid some excellent foundations to kick on and make this season a successful one, as they eye a return to League One.

Salford City vs Port Vale Goal Scorers

Ethan Chislett leads the line for Port Vale this season, after top scoring for them with nine goals as they were relegated from League One last season. Chislett now has a chance to really thrive, after what was an impressive debut season for the struggling side, with their next highest goal scorer ending the campaign on a measly four.

Majestic. Ethan Chislett’s best goals so far 🥶 … 🇿🇦 @EthanChislett #PVFC #UTV pic.twitter.com/XwBqmvqgKF

— 🇦 (@Gandinhoo) March 28, 2024

For Salford, following the departure of prolific forward Matt Smith at the end of last season, the responsibility in front of goal falls to Conor McAleny, the second top scoring forward last season after Smith.

However, after three goalless performances to start his season, his confidence will be low, and rotation could be necessary for Salford manager Karl Robinson, with 21-year-old Marcus Dackers waiting in the wings.

Salford City vs Port Vale Team News

Port Vale have only one potential absentee in Ben Garrity, who went off injured in the second half of the League Two season opener between the soo to be re-acquainted sides. However, he got some minutes in their most recent fixture with Tranmere, so he could still potentially start.

Salford City have a clean bill of health, and will hope that the full fitness of their squad can give them the upper hand in this one, while simultaneously kick-starting their season.

Salford City vs Port Vale Predicted Lineups

Salford City (4-2-3-1): Jones (GK), Chesters, Negru, Tilt, Garbutt, Ashley, Fornah, Luamba, Woodburn, N’Mai, McAleny.

Port Vale (5-4-1): Ripley (GK), Sang, Debrah, Heneghan, Hall, Hart, Chislett, Garrity, Croasdale, Curtis, Paton.

Salford City vs Port Vale Player to Watch

Former Liverpool hopeful Ben Woodburn is the obvious name to pick out here. Now 24 years old, he broke the Liverpool record to become their youngest ever goalscorer, underlining the immense hype he was being afforded at the time.

While things may not have worked out as Woodburn had initially planned, Salford central attacking midfielder is still a tremendous talent capable of superb moments worthy of a player in a division or two above his current competition.

What a night 😀⚽️❤️ pic.twitter.com/0NAx9nHVEK

— ben woodburn (@BenWoodburn) November 29, 2016

Playing in a more central role than in his youth, Woodburn likes to run right at the heart of the defense, backing defenders up until he has a clear path for a pass or shot. Could well be the source of Salfords maiden goal this campaign.

Where can I watch Salford City vs Port Vale?

The game will not be broadcasted on UK TV, but live text commentary will be available on whichever live scores app you choose to use. Highlights will also be available on Youtube following the final whistle.