Port Vale host Manchester City Under-21s in an EFL Trophy group stage match at Vale Park on Tuesday night. The fixture offers a break from League Two action for a side sitting 20th in the table with 12 points from 10 games, having recorded three wins and three draws so far. Their recent form in the league shows three wins and a draw from their last five matches.
That result halted a positive run of form that had seen them take 10 points from their previous four league matches, including home wins over Chesterfield, Grimsby and Mansfield Town. Their last outing at Vale Park was a 1-0 victory over Chesterfield on October 17. The team's overall record this season is three wins, three draws, and four losses, with six goals scored and 10 conceded. They currently find themselves 13 points behind the league leaders, Salford City.
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Port Vale are expected to field a 3-5-2 formation, with key players like goalkeeper Maroši and forward Figueroa likely to be involved. Figueroa scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Gillingham last week on October 20. The visitors from Manchester typically operate in a 4-2-3-1 shape, featuring players such as midfielder Midwood.
This competition represents a different challenge, pitting the Valiants against a talented academy side from the Premier League champions. A positive result could provide a timely boost ahead of a return to key league business.
Attention then quickly turns to Saturday's League Two encounter at home to Rochdale on October 31, who are currently 14th in the standings. The team will be looking to improve their league position of 20th when they face Rochdale.
