Following our 1-1 draw with Tranmere Rovers last weekend, we're back at Vale Park on Saturday afternoon for the visit of Crewe Alexandra, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30pm.
The Valiants will be going in search of a first league win of the season (D1, L1) in front of the Sky Sports cameras, with the game to be broadcast on Sky Sports +.
We'll have team news and pre-match thoughts from manager Jon Brady in his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon. Captain Ben Garrity could make his 200th appearance for the club this weekend.
Our opponents
We have faced Crewe on exactly 85 previous occasions, winning 41 and drawing 24 of those matches. In fact, Vale have won six of the last seven meetings between the sides, including a 1-0 victory at the Mornflake Stadium in March 2025. Jack Shorrock's Goal of the Season in this fixture in November 2024 will also live long in the memory.
Crewe will come into this weekend's game in confident mood though, with two wins from two so far in the league. Both have come by a 1-0 scoreline, as they picked up all three points at Crawley on the opening day before seeing off Northampton Town last time out.
Lee Bell has been in charge of Crewe since December 2022, making him the eighth longest-serving current manager in the EFL. He guided the Alex to an 11th-placed finish last term, 11 points shy of a Play-Off place.
They have made a number of additions to their squad this summer, including former MK Dons defender Luke Offord and former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Jordan Gibson.
This weekend's visitors are expected to bring an away following of close to 2,000, who will be housed in the Bycars Stand.
Opposition player to watch
A player for Vale fans to be aware of on Saturday is experienced central defender Mickey Demetriou, who joined the club in 2023 after seven years with Newport County, where he served as captain. Demetriou made over 50 appearances in his first season at Crewe, racking up 10 goals and six assists from defence.
Fixture throwback
Port Vale 3-0 Crewe Alexandra | 9th April 2016
Louis Dodds scored twice as Vale secured a 3-0 win to confirmed Crewe's relegation to League Two in 2016.
Dodds hit a 3rd-minute opener before doubling Vale's lead seven minutes from time. JJ Hooper then curled home a superb third in injury time.
Vale would go on to finish 12th that season under Rob Page, one point and one place below Sheffield United.
Tickets
Get your tickets for Saturday's game here!
