MX23RW : Monday, October 3 06:21:59| >> :600:852660:852660:
[monks data]
May 19, 2022 at 7.45pm UK at Vale Park
Port Vale
1 - 0
Swindon
Wilson (8')
Wilson (42'), Pett (59')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Iandolo (56'), Conroy (95'), McKirdy (120+1')
Port Vale win 6-5 on penalties

Preview: Port Vale vs. Swindon Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Thursday's League Two clash between Port Vale and Swindon Town, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Swindon Town square off against Port Vale on Thursday evening having established a 2-1 lead ahead of the second leg of their League Two playoff semi-final.

Whoever prevails in Staffordshire will set up a Wembley showdown with either Northampton Town or Mansfield Town on May 28.


Match preview

Swindon Town coach Ben Garner reacts on January 7, 2022© Reuters

Despite only securing their playoff spot on the final day of the season, there was no doubting that Swindon had all the momentum ahead into the two semi-final ties.

Ben Garner had witnessed his side post four successive wins to secure a top-seven spot, scoring 10 goals and conceding just twice during that quartet of fixtures.

The Robins continued that form in the first leg at the County Ground on Sunday, two goals from Harry McKirdy putting his side in total control of the tie with a quarter of the contest remaining.

However, James Wilson's effort seven minutes from time has the potential to turn the tide in Port Vale's favour, both clubs aware that this has theoretically become a 50-50 tie.

That will be disputed by a Swindon side who have produced the far better form of late at a time when Port Vale have suffered back-to-back home defeats to Bristol Rovers and Newport County respectively.

Nevertheless, Darrell Clarke's team denied Exeter City the League Two title on the final day of the season, and that result has given them the extra belief required to remain on course for promotion.

What Vale will be wary of is Swindon's spectacular away return during the regular campaign, a total of 43 points from 23 outings the best effort by as many as four points.

One of their 13 victories came in the corresponding fixture back in January, Swindon posting a 3-1 victory at Vale Park having been helped by the first-half dismissal of home goalkeeper Lucas Covolan.

Swindon have scored in each of their last seven fixtures in the fourth tier, whereas Vale have conceded seven times in their last three home matches.

Port Vale League Two form:
  • W
  • L
  • L
  • L
  • W
  • L

Swindon Town League Two form:
  • L
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • W


Team News

Port Vale manager Darrell Clarke applauds fans after the match on January 8, 2022© Reuters

Having been left unhappy with the level of his team's performance on Sunday, Clarke will contemplate making changes to his Port Vale XI.

Jamie Proctor appears in line to return in attack in place of Ryan Edmondson, while Jake Taylor is also in contention.

Chris Hussey could make his return at left-back or left wing-back if he has shakes off the injury which kept him out of the first leg.

While alternations will likely be made to the home side's team, Garner may be prepared to stick with his previous Swindon starting lineup.

The more defensive-minded Akinwale Odimayo is an option at right-back with Mandela Egbo potentially dropping down to the substitutes' bench.

Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Stone; Smith, Martin, Hall; Worrall, Pett, Garrity, Gibbons; Charsley; Proctor, Wilson

Swindon Town possible starting lineup:
Ward; Odimayo, Baudry, Conroy, Iandolo; Payne, Reed, Williams; McKirdy, Davison, Barry


SM words green background

We say: Port Vale 1-2 Swindon Town (Swindon to win 4-2 on aggregate)

Back on home territory, Port Vale will fancy their chances of turning things around to earn a spot in the final. However, we cannot ignore Swindon's recent winning streak, a run of results which should provide them with the confidence to move closer to promotion.


For additional data used by our team to analyse our suggested result please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data

ID:486017:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect8789:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


How you voted: Port Vale vs Swindon

Port Vale
39.0%
Draw
18.6%
Swindon Town
42.4%
59
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
A general view of the stadium ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on Augsut 18, 2013
Read Next:
Crystal Palace youngster joins Monchengladbach
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Plymouth ArgylePlymouth118121912725
2Ipswich TownIpswich1173122101224
3Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds1172221101123
4Portsmouth1063121111021
5Barnsley116231710720
6Bolton WanderersBolton10622136720
7Peterborough UnitedPeterborough116052012818
8Derby CountyDerby10523119217
9Accrington StanleyAccrington114431413116
10Cambridge UnitedCambridge115151418-416
11Exeter CityExeter114341812615
12Shrewsbury TownShrewsbury114341113-215
13Lincoln CityLincoln103431416-213
14Charlton AthleticCharlton112631515012
15Fleetwood TownFleetwood1026299012
16Port Vale113351016-612
17Cheltenham TownCheltenham103251012-211
18Oxford UnitedOxford Utd10325911-211
19Wycombe WanderersWycombe113261316-311
20MK Dons103161114-310
21Bristol Rovers112361522-79
22Forest Green RoversForest Green112271025-158
23Burton Albion112181426-127
24Morecambe11146821-137

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Match previews - Daily
Transfer Talk Daily
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!