Port Vale head into the Oldham Athletic encounter seeking their first successive EFL win since February 2007, a milestone that could lift them from 22nd place in League One (38 pts, 9W‑11D‑21L) as the season draws to a close.
What does the record say?
Oldham have only beaten Vale once in their last six home league meetings, a 3‑2 triumph in November 2021. Vale’s last league win over Oldham came 3‑2 in April 2022, so the odds favour a close contest. The Valiants have scored 33 goals this season while conceding 55, leaving them with a –22 goal difference and sitting 55 points behind leaders Lincoln.
Who are the key figures?
Manager Jon Brady will likely stick with his 4‑2‑3‑1 set‑up, hoping to tighten a defence that has under‑performed its expected goals by –13.3 this campaign. Meanwhile, Oldham’s Micky Mellon prefers a 4‑4‑1‑1 formation, aiming to exploit Vale’s defensive frailties. Both sides will be watching the midfield battle, where a single foul at the 62‑minute mark by Keenan Appiah‑Forson already highlighted the physical edge.
Why this match matters for Vale
A win would not only break a 19‑year drought of back‑to‑back EFL victories but also improve Vale’s morale ahead of their next fixture away at Rotherham on 9 January 2027, where they sit 23rd in the table. With only 33 goals scored and 55 conceded, any points gained are vital to avoid a relegation battle and to narrow the 55‑point gap to the league leaders.
What comes next?
Should Vale secure the three points, they will head into the Rotherham clash with a modest boost in confidence, still needing to claw back into the safety zone. A loss, however, would cement their position near the bottom and increase pressure on Jon Brady to deliver results before the season’s final stretch. Either way, the Oldham game offers a clear indicator of Vale’s ability to compete in League One’s toughest fixtures.
