Port Vale travel to Chesterfield for an EFL Trophy group match on Tuesday evening, looking to respond to a weekend defeat. The game at the Proact Stadium kicks off at 7pm UK time as Vale aim to build momentum in the competition.
Darren Moore's side head into the fixture on the back of a 2-0 loss away to Walsall last Saturday. James Connolly and Andrew Dallas scored the goals for the Saddlers in that League Two encounter. That result leaves Port Vale 23rd in the league table with five points from their opening seven matches.
Their recent form shows one win, one draw and three losses from the last five outings across all competitions. The sole victory in that run was a 1-0 home success against Exeter City, secured by a George Byers penalty in the 58th minute.
Chesterfield, who play in the National League, have had mixed results themselves. Their last competitive outing was a 2-1 defeat away to Rotherham United in late August. They have drawn two of their last five games, including a goalless stalemate with Sheffield United in July.
Moore is expected to rotate his squad for the Trophy fixture, with the weekend's league game against Northampton Town in mind. The Cobblers, who sit one place above Vale in 22nd, visit Vale Park on Saturday. Check the latest team news and availability on our squad page.
Port Vale's last starting lineup featured a 3-5-2 formation with Marek Maroši in goal and a front two of Ben Waine and Oisin Lynch. Chesterfield last fielded a 4-2-3-1 system, with Ryan Boot between the posts and Liam Bonis leading the attack. The match offers a chance for players on the fringes to stake a claim for more regular involvement.
