Port Vale travel to Walsall on Tuesday night in what will be their final group game of the Checkatrade Trophy, and both sides have already sealed their progression into the knockout stages. You can find all of the key information ahead of the match below...
Fixture: Walsall vs Port Vale
Date: Tuesday 13th November 2018
Venue: Bescot Stadium
Competition: Checkatrade Trophy
Kick-Off: 7:00pm
Port Vale
Form: LLWLWWDWDL
Top Scorer: Tom Pope (8 goals)
Sunday's slender defeat to Sunderland in the Emirates FA Cup was the Valiants' first loss for six games in all competitions, and they will be looking to bounce back with a win at Walsall. Whilst changes are likely to be made by Neil Aspin, a victory could see his side top the group and that would set up a home clash in the next round of the competition.
Vale are yet to concede in the Checkatrade Trophy, with the 1-0 and 2-0 wins coming against Burton Albion and Middlesbrough U21s respectively. Ricky Miller leads the way in terms of scoring with two goals to his name, whilst Connell Rawlinson found the net for the first time in a Vale shirt against Boro.
Manny Oyeleke and Cristian Montano both made their returns from injury to feature as substitutes against Sunderland last time out, and they could be handed starts on Tuesday evening. As the fixture comes just two days after the Sunderland clash, the manager could opt to shake up his starting line-up and hand game time to those who need it.
Walsall
Form: LDWWLLWLLW
Top Scorer: Andy Cook (7 goals)
Currently occupying a mid-table position in Sky Bet League One, Walsall will be determined to build on their recent Emirates FA Cup triumph over Coventry City where they edged a five-goal thriller at the Bescot Stadium. They also top the group in the Checkatrade Trophy after beating both Middlesbrough U21s and Burton Albion.
Despite their success in cup competitions, the Saddlers have lost four of their last five games in the league, and a section of supporters have been piling the pressure on the manager. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see who Dean Keates selects to feature in this match, but he does have a fully fit squad to choose from.
One To Watch: Connor Ronan
The 20-year-old midfielder made the move to Walsall from Wolverhampton Wanderers on the 31st August 2018, signing a loan deal which will see him stay at the Bescot Stadium until January 2019. With a spell out on loan at Portsmouth last season aiding his development, this latest temporary move is a chance to prove himself in the Football League.
Having been involved in both of Walsall's previous Checkatrade Trophy victories, the Republic of Ireland U21 international is set to feature again this time around. He has 10 appearances to his name across all competitions so far this season, but he was an unused substitute against Coventry on Saturday afternoon.
Described as a 'joy to watch' by the Saddlers' captain, Ronan is a skilful midfielder who possesses great technical ability. He is yet to score for Walsall so far this term and goals will be something he wants to add to his arsenal, but his vision and composure in the centre of the pitch are crucial elements of his game
Coverage
Follow The Vale will be providing full 90 minute commentary from the match, whilst the Port Vale Twitter and Facebook feeds will be providing live updates for the entirety.
There will also be build-up to the game with the official Snapchat and Instagram accounts: officialpvfc.
Reaction will be available on the official website post-match, as well as on YouTube, iFollow and social media.