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Port Vale
EFL Cup | Second Round
Aug 29, 2023 at 7.45pm UK
Vale Park
Crewe Alexandra

Port Vale
0 - 0
Crewe


Garrity (28'), Cass (54'), Iacovitti (72'), Devine (84')
FT
(aet)

Thomas (24'), Williams (29'), Powell (78'), Nevitt (90+3')
Port Vale win 2-0 on penalties

Preview: Port Vale vs. Crewe Alexandra - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Tuesday's EFL Cup clash between Port Vale and Crewe Alexandra, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

On Tuesday, League One side Port Vale will go head-to-head with fourth-tier Crewe Alexandra in the second round of the EFL Cup.

The hosts beat Fleetwood Town 3-2 in the first round, while Crewe got the better of Sunderland in a penalty shootout.


Match preview

Since beginning the campaign with a demoralising 7-0 defeat to Barnsley, Port Vale have shown immense character to embark on a five-game unbeaten run.

That impressive run of results began with a win over Fleetwood Town in the EFL Cup, giving them the confidence to go on and claim 10 points from their next four league matches.

In their most recent encounter, a 50th-minute strike from James Wilson guided Port Vale to a narrow 1-0 win over Carlisle United, ensuring that the Valiants finished the weekend in sixth position.

Having won all three of their competitive games at Vale Park this season, Andy Crosby's side will be aiming to make full use of home advantage once again on Tuesday.

The Valiants have the opportunity to reach the third round of the EFL Cup for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

Meanwhile, Crewe Alexandra will be looking for a response after they suffered their first defeat of the season at the weekend.

Crewe picked up six points from their opening four league games, before they made the trip to Valley Parade for Saturday's meeting with Bradford City.

The Railwaymen trailed at the break following Jamie Walker's 43rd-minute opener, and they were unable to find a way back into the contest in the second half, representing the first time that they have failed to score this season.

While Crewe were unable to trouble the scorers on Saturday, they will still be confident of finding the net on Tuesday after racking up 10 goals in their opening four league matches.

Like their hosts, Crewe are hoping to end their long wait for a third-round appearance, as they look to progress from the second round for the first time since the 2009-10 campaign.

Port Vale EFL Cup form:


Port Vale form (all competitions):


Crewe Alexandra EFL Cup form:


Crewe Alexandra form (all competitions):



Team News

Midfielder Tom Conlon is a long-term absentee for the hosts, while there are doubts over the availability of Ellis Harrison and Kofi Balmer.

After arriving on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Alfie Devine made his Port Vale debut as a substitute against Carlisle, and he could be presented with his first start for the club on Tuesday.

Ben Garrity dropped down to the bench for Saturday's victory, but he is expected to return to the side for the midweek cup tie.

As for the visitors, Courtney Baker-Richardson could be included in the matchday squad, having returned to training following an injury issue.

Defender Zac Williams could be recalled to the starting lineup after dropping out of the side for Saturday's defeat to Bradford.

Elliot Nevitt, who has scored twice in Crewe's last three games, will continue to lead the line for Lee Bell's side.


Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Ripley; Cass, Smith, Iacovitti; Clark, Arblaster, Ojo, Plant; Devine, Garrity; Wilson

Crewe Alexandra possible starting lineup:
Davies; Offord, Demetriou, Williams; Cooney, Powell, Tabiner, Demetriou, Adebisi; Tracey, Long; Nevitt


SM words green background

We say: Port Vale 2-0 Crewe Alexandra

Port Vale are currently enjoying an impressive run of form, having won four and drawn one of their last five competitive matches.

With all three of their home matches this season resulting in victory, we think that they will utilise home advantage to beat Crewe on Tuesday.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home Win:data


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Data Failed

How you voted: Port Vale vs Crewe

Port Vale
67.7%
Draw
16.1%
Crewe Alexandra
16.1%
31
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