Will Leon Constantine play? Will the hapless Richard Walker and wretched Danny Whitaker be involved? Will there be any spark of imagination or creativity from our midfield?
These are the questions troubling us Vale fans.
Constantine has been absent from our last three games, during which we have scored just one goal – a direct free-kick from Jeff Smith. There’s no two ways about it, we struggle without him.
Danny Sonner has also been absent from the last three games, and our midfield has noticeably lacked any guile going forward. On a positive note we have looked solid and resolute defensively with the return of key players.
The Tin Man says…
No word from Foyle yet on this game, check back later for some words of wisdom from the Gaffer.
Blackpool Team News:
Blackpool have been in good form of late, winning five of their last seven league games, as well as progressing to the fourth round of The FA Cup.
Currently eighth in the league on 41 pts, just one point off sixth place Swansea and definite contenders for a place-off place.
For the latest on team news and selection visit the Vital Blackpool website.
Player to watch: Ian Evatt
Snapped up in the transfer window from QPR following an impressive loan spell. Evatt is a central defender who has become a favourite with the Blackpool fans. According to the Vital Blackpool boys Evatt enjoys the odd sixty yard dash into the opponents penalty box in pursuit of goals, as yet unsuccessfully!
Port Vale Team News:
Constantine and Sonner have been missing with knee injuries, but must be close to recovery now. Leon was close to making last weekends game against Bradford, so will surely appear on Saturday.
Striker Nathan Lowndes is doubtful after receiving eye surgery after a collision last weekend, Ex Blackpool defender Mark McGregor is struggling for fitness, Left Back Colin Miles is just struggling.
Expect to see Michael Walsh make his third consecutive start, hopefully alongside George Pilkington in the heart of The Vale defence.
Form wise Vale have lost three and drawn one of the last four, and are currently in eleventh spot with 36 pts.
Player to watch: Akpo Sodje
Sodje is a selfless and game battler, but needs to start adding to his modest goal tally. A little more composure in front of goal would sort him out.
Earlier this season…
Vale won 2-1 way back in September. Richie Humphreys (then on-loan from Hartlepool) commented after the game that ‘sometimes you have to win ugly’, and it certainly wasn’t a pretty performance. Still, I’d be happy with more of the same.
Match Prediction:
We may, with some dogged determination in defence and midfield, come away with a point. If we concede the first goal then I don’t see us getting back on level terms. Please prove me wrong Vale!
Coming next…
Northampton Town (h) Saturday 20th Jan 3pm
Constantine will play, we’ll win 2-1 again. line-up: Anyon, Abbey,Walker,Pilkington,Talbot,Gardner,Hulbert,Harsley,Smith,Constantine,Sodje. Constantine will score both goals – one each half.