Port Vale play host to Accrington Stanley on Tuesday evening looking to end their four-match winless streak in League One.
At a time when the home side occupy 14th position in the standings, Accrington are in 23rd spot and three points away from safety.
Match preview
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On the back of winning promotion from the fourth tier, Port Vale have enjoyed an excellent season back in League One, collecting enough wins to put themselves in contention for a surprise playoff spot.
However, that now feels like a dream rather than a possible reality, a run of four points from six games leaving Darrell Clarke's side 11 points adrift of sixth spot.
In the short term, focus should instead be placed on avoiding a relegation scrap, Vale only nine points above the bottom four at a time when some of the teams below them are showing signings of improvement.
That cannot be said about the Staffordshire outfit, who lost 3-0 at home to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday in what was their third successive defeat on familiar territory.
Vale have now scored just one goal per game at Vale Park, and Accrington will sense an opportunity to end their own dismal streak in the league.
John Coleman has worked wonders to secure finishes between 11th and 17th over the past four seasons, but the long-serving boss will recognise that he has his work cut out to keep Accrington in this division.
The weekend's 3-0 defeat at home to Lincoln City extended Accrington's recent run to just two wins in 15 matches, 10 of those fixtures ending in losses.
On a positive note, Accrington are potentially a win away from moving outside of the bottom four and they possess games in hand, yet all momentum has been lost for the time being.
Nine goals have been conceded in their most recent three league games on the road, although two of those outings were against top-six teams in Derby County and Barnsley.
However, the North West outfit have netted just eight times in 13 away encounters, a ratio which must improve if they want to haul themselves out of trouble.
Team News
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Vale will remain with Matty Taylor, Ellis Harrison and James Wilson for this contest, likely leaving Gavin Massey to continue to lead the line.
Tom Conlon will be considered for a recall in midfield, while Will Forrester could return to the centre of defence after a number of substitute outings.
Accrington will be without the services of Harry Perritt, who was sent off after being introduced as a substitute versus Lincoln.
Perritt had replaced Ryan Astley, who was injured, and consideration may be given to going with a back four and using Shaun Whalley off the flank rather than in a central position.
That may also lead to recent addition Sebastian Quirk being introduced into the fold for his second start.
Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Stevens; Smith, Forrester, Jones; Worrall, Garrity, Ojo, Benning; Butterworth, Politic; Massey
Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:
Savin; Longelo, Tharme, Rodgers, McConville; Quirk, Leigh, Coyle, Whalley; Butler-Oyedeji, Pressley
We say: Port Vale 2-1 Accrington Stanley
With both teams suffering comprehensive home defeats at the weekend, this feels like a difficult match to call. While we would not be surprised to see an uninspiring draw play out, Vale may just do enough to edge this encounter by the odd goal in three.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
