Coventry City vs Port Vale Preview
Date - 9th September 2017
Venue - Ricoh Arena
Preview
Vale face their third trip away from home in Sky Bet League Two on Saturday afternoon as they travel down the M6 to take on Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena.
Both sides were relegated from Sky Bet League One last season and three points will be the target for both managers as they look to add to their current tallies.
Scoring goals has been an issue for the two teams thus far, with both Vale and the Sky Blues failing to find the net in the last three fixtures.
The Opposition
Following their relegation to Sky Bet League Two, Coventry City have made a mixed start to life in the fourth tier having won two, lost two and drawn one of their first five fixtures.
A convincing 3-0 home triumph over Notts County on the opening day was followed up by an away win at Grimsby, but the Sky Blues are now on a three-game winless run. As a result, they lie 10th in the division with seven points to their name.
Blackburn Rovers also knocked Mark Robins' men out of the Carabao Cup at the first time of asking, while the Checkatrade Trophy title defence got off to a stuttering start as Shrewsbury Town prevailed 3-2 at the Ricoh Arena.
Talk
Anthony de Freitas: "Previewing the clash, de Freitas said: "Firstly, it's important for us to go out and win the game.
"We have plenty of quality in the squad and some very talented players. It has been a tough start for us, but I trust my teammates and I think we will do a good job on Saturday."
Coventry City defender, Jordan Willis speaking after his side's 0-0 draw with Chesterfield: "A clean sheet away from home, you'll take that anywhere you go. We were unlucky not to score today but with a couple of home games coming up hopefully we can get the goals there.
"Defensively everyone has got a job to do and everyone is doing that. We aren't conceding many goals and hopefully when we can get one more goals will follow."
Team News
Danny Pugh and Anton Forrester remain sidelined with long term problems, but there are no fresh concerns for the Valiants. Rekeil Pyke does remain a doubt, however.
Coventry City could be without Rod McDonald as the newly recruited centre-back picked up an injury that has left him doubtful.
Ryan Haynes is also unavailable through injury and a couple of players are carrying knocks, but Mark Robins has a strong squad to select from.
Coverage
Follow The Vale will be providing full 90 minute commentary from the match, while 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 account: officialpvfc.
Reaction will be available on the official website post-match, as well as on YouTube, iFollow and social media.