Salford vs. Port Vale: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Largely owing to home advantage, Salford are the favourites coming into this game, despite Port Vale being more heavily fancied for promotion. Salford won only five home games last season while Port Vale won only four on the road, so neither are particularly intimidating in these environments.

Cole Stockton is tipped to have a big season for Salford City. Cole Stockton played 17 times for Barrow last season, scoring seven during his short spell with the club. Stockton averaged 0.9 shots on target per game.

This is a tricky game for both sides on the opening weekend of the campaign, and you suspect both teams would be happy with a draw. We do, then, fancy the spoils to be shared. Salford 1-1 Port Vale.

The opening weekend of the new League Two season sees Salford City take on Port Vale, with both teams eager to put last season’s disappointments behind them and start the campaign on a positive note. This fixture promises to be an intriguing encounter as both clubs have made significant changes over the summer to bolster their squads and aim for a successful season ahead.

• Date: 10/08/2024
• Kick-off time: 15:00
• Location: Peninsula Stadium, Salford

Last season was a difficult one for Salford City, as they finished 20th in League Two with just 51 points, marking their worst campaign since joining the Football League. The club’s performance fell well short of expectations, and manager Karl Robinson has been tasked with the challenge of turning things around. Despite their struggles, there is a sense of optimism around the club as they head into the new season.

Salford City have been active in the transfer market, making several strategic signings to strengthen their squad. The most notable departure was that of striker Callum Hendry, who moved to MK Dons. However, Salford have secured the services of Cole Stockton from Burton Albion to fill the void. Stockton is a proven goalscorer at this level and is expected to play a key role in Salford’s attacking setup.

In addition to Stockton, Salford have brought in several other players who could make a significant impact. Ben Woodburn has joined from Preston North End, bringing creativity and versatility to the midfield. Tom Edwards, a defender from Stoke City, adds depth to the backline, while James Chester from Barrow and Jon Taylor from Doncaster Rovers bring experience and quality to the squad. These signings have not only improved the overall quality of the team but also provided Robinson with more options and flexibility in his tactics.

Under Karl Robinson’s management, Salford are expected to play an attacking brand of football, with a focus on possession and quick transitions. The addition of Cole Stockton should provide a focal point for the attack, with Ben Woodburn and Jon Taylor supporting from the flanks. The midfield will be crucial in maintaining control of the game, and Robinson will likely utilise a dynamic midfield trio to balance defensive solidity and attacking creativity.

Defensively, Salford will aim to be more organised and resilient than last season. The arrival of Tom Edwards and James Chester should help shore up a defence that conceded too many goals last term. Robinson’s challenge will be to instil a sense of discipline and structure in the backline while allowing his team the freedom to express themselves going forward.

While Salford are considered slight outsiders for the playoffs, there is no reason why they cannot be competitive this season. With the right blend of experience and youth, and a manager determined to prove himself, Salford should be well in contention for a top-seven finish. The club’s ambitions extend beyond mere survival, and a positive start to the season could set the tone for a successful campaign.

Port Vale find themselves back in League Two after finishing 23rd in League One last season, a disappointing outcome that led to their relegation. However, the club has responded with ambition and determination, making several key signings in the transfer window to rebuild their squad and push for promotion.

Port Vale have enjoyed an excellent transfer window, strengthening their squad without losing any major players. The addition of midfielders George Byers and Ryan Croasdale from Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport County respectively adds quality and depth to the midfield. Both players have experience at higher levels and are expected to be influential in dictating play and controlling the tempo of matches.

The striking department has also been bolstered with the arrivals of Ruari Paton from Queen’s Park and Lorent Tolaj from Aldershot Town. These signings provide manager Darren Moore with more options in attack and increase the competition for places, which should bring out the best in the squad. With a squad now brimming with quality at this level, there is considerable pressure on Moore to guide Port Vale to a top-three finish and secure automatic promotion.

Darren Moore is known for his pragmatic approach to management, focusing on building a solid defensive foundation while encouraging attacking play. With the new additions to the squad, Moore has the tools to implement a more expansive style of play, combining defensive organisation with attacking flair.

Port Vale’s midfield will be crucial to their success, with George Byers and Ryan Croasdale expected to play pivotal roles in controlling matches and linking defence with attack. The presence of experienced players in the squad should help Moore instil a winning mentality and drive the team towards their promotion targets.

In attack, the combination of Ruari Paton and Lorent Tolaj offers pace, movement, and goalscoring ability. Moore will likely employ a flexible system that allows his forwards to interchange positions and create opportunities in the final third. The defensive unit, while solid, will need to remain vigilant and cohesive to prevent lapses in concentration that could prove costly.

There is a palpable sense of expectation surrounding Port Vale this season. The club’s ambitions are clear, and the quality of their squad suggests that they should be genuine contenders for promotion. The challenge for Moore will be managing the pressure and maintaining consistency throughout the campaign. If Port Vale can hit the ground running and build momentum early on, they have every chance of achieving their goal of a top-three finish.

In recent head-to-head meetings between Salford City and Port Vale, Salford have had a slight edge, winning three of the last five encounters, while Port Vale have won two.

This game will be aired live to all subscribed U.K. viewers on Sky Sports +.

Salford Team News:

Salford are set to involve a number of their new signings, with Tom Edwards, James Chester, Ben Woodburn and Cole Stockton all in line for their competitive debuts.

New signing Stockton will hope to return to his goalscoring best after ending the season well with Barrow, amassing 7 goals in 17 games.

Predicted lineup: Jones; Edwards, Tilt, Chester, Garbutt; Watson, Lund; Luamba, Woodburn, McAleny; Stockton.

Port Vale Team News:

Ben Heneghan, Sam Hart, Ryan Croasdale, George Byers, Lorent Tolaj and Ruari Paton could all make their first competitive starts for Port Vale in what is set to be a new-look lineup.

Irish striker Ruari Paton bagged 17 league goals in 36 games last season for Scottish Championship side Queen's Park, so there's a fairly big expectation for him to be prolific this season.

Predicted lineup: Ripley; Debrah, Smith, Heneghan; Sang, Croasdale, Byers, Hart; Garrity; Tolaj, Paton.

The back end of last season was a struggle for Salford, who won only one of their final five games. Salford suffered successive defeats at the hands of Walsall (2-1), AFC Wimbledon (1-0) and Bradford City (1-2), before beating Newport County 1-0 and drawing 2-2 with Harrogate Town.

Salford have been solid in preseason with four wins, two draws and two losses. Wins have included a 3-1 win over Warrington Town and a 2-1 victory over Everton, while defeats have come against Preston North End (0-2) and Rochdale (5-2).

Port Vale's League One campaign ended miserably with one draw and four losses. Vale lost four games on the bounce, losing to Peterborough United (3-0), Exeter City (2-4), Wycombe Wanderers (1-2) and Bolton Wanderers (2-0), results that were preceded by a 0-0 draw against Cambridge United.

In preseason Port Vale have beaten Newcastle Town (3-1) and Kidsgrove Athletic (1-0), before losing to Bath City (1-0), Burton Albion (2-0) and Bolton Wanderers (0-3).

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