Port Vale continue their promotion bid at the turn of the new year this weekend when they travel to take on Rochdale. The match is scheduled for Tuesday at the Crown Oil Arena, kickoff at 10:45 pm.
Meanwhile, the Valiants’ mid-table hosts themselves have been sidelined for more than a week and will want to continue where they left off in League Two—having previously posted a 3-0 win.
In their last three league games, Port Vale have won two while the other resulted in a draw. (The club will travel to The Crown Oil Arena this week, having won their previous two league games on the spin.)
Rochdale’s last three games have been postponed due to COVID-19 infections, so Darrell Clarke’s men will be eager to get back on the pitch and make amends for their loss in Newport.
In a game in hand on several of their closest promotion rivals, Port Vale can now consolidate their position in the fourth tier of England’s football pyramid by exacting revenge on opponents that inflicted one of their six league defeats.
Rochdale drew or missed out on the points entirely when taking the lead, but they never looked back once James Beesley gave them a second-minute lead, easing pressure on manager Keith Hill after three successive defeats in league and cup – and no wins from six attempts.
Rochdale vs Port Vale Head to Head
Both sides have 16 games against each other, with each side taking six wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Rochdale 3-0 Newport County
- Bristol Rovers 4-2 Rochdale
- Hartlepool United 2-1 Rochdale
- Rochdale 1-2 Plymouth Argyle
- Rochdale 1-1 Exeter City
Away
- Newport County 2-1 Port Vale
- Bristol Rovers 1-2 Port Vale
- Burton Albion 1-2 Port Vale
- Rotherham United 1-1 Port Vale
- Port Vale 2-0 Hartlepool United
Rochdale Team News
Port Vale have an insufficient number of players available, following recent cases of COVID-19 and injury. The club has reportedly added to its depth by recalling midfielder Danny Whitehead from a loan at Altrincham.
Port Vale Team News
Rochdale will switch to a 3-4-3 formation, which should provide opportunities for former Manchester United defender Max Taylor, Eoghan O’Connell and Jeriel Dorsett at the back.
After scoring twice last time out, Jake Beesley will lead the attack against Chester. Currently on nine League Two goals this season, the former Solihull Moors striker will be hoping to get into double figures on Wednesday.
Prediction and Odds
The good news is that this will be the Wolfpack’s and Bunnies’ first competitive game of 2022 after both sides experienced an enforced mid-winter break due to the current circumstances.
- Draw
- Both Teams to Score
- Most Goals: 2H
