Burton Travel to Port Vale on Tuesday evening, in a tie which looks set to be dominated by the hosts. However last season, the visitors won each fixture when the two sides met and the Brewers will be hoping for a similar outcome this time around.
Port Vale
The Valiants have had an outstanding start to the 2023/24 League One campaign and after seven games, they are sat in 2nd place. Andy Crosby’s side has won five and lost only once which happened to be a 7-0 loss to Barnsley on the opening weekend. Port Vale used that embarrassing defeat as a wake up call and since then they have had one of the best defensive records in the league, conceding three goals in six games.
Last time out, Port Vale won 1-0 for the third time this season against Northampton Town, highlighting that they are able to demonstrate determination and willpower, which has been a successful method of earning three points. Ben Garrity came off the bench to secure the victory in the 85th minute but what will impress Crosby the most is his sides ability to deny the opposition many goal scoring opportunities.
Burton
Unfortunately for Burton, they have had a completely opposite start to the new season and they sit in 22nd place without a victory. Dino Maamria will be under pressure from the fans as their performance, particularly in front of goal, has been uninspiring. The Brewers have only scored twice in seven games, which is the second worst record in the league. They have also conceded the third most which just underlines how poor they have been.
Last time out, they lost 2-0 away to Barnsley with Devante Cole scoring twenty minutes into each half. The only positive that Maamria can take from the game, is that once they were two goals down, they showed some attacking intent to try and get back in the game, however even then, they didn’t create anything or register a shot on target. Against Port Vale this weekend, Burton will have to give 110% to get anything out of the game.
Verdict?
Burton are struggling in attack and at the back which gives them very little chance against a strong Port Vale side. The Valiants have also shown in recent weeks that they have firepower on the bench that can come on and make a difference.
The final prediction is Port Vale 2-0 Burton.
