John Askey faces his first game in charge of Port Vale when they travel to Cambridge United in Sky Bet League Two on Saturday afternoon, and you can find all of the important information ahead of the clash below...
Fixture: Cambridge United v Port Vale
Competition: Sky Bet League Two
Date: Saturday 9th February 2019
Kick-Off: 3:00pm
Venue: Abbey Stadium
Referee: Sebastian Stockbridge
Port Vale
Form: DLLDWLWLLD
League Position: 19th
Top Scorer: Tom Pope (11 goals)
Following last weekend's postponed fixture against Tranmere Rovers, Vale will travel to the Abbey Stadium looking to build on the hard-earned point which was earned at Newport County back in January. The Valiants' form on the road has been a positive this season, and they will be determined to keep that going with all three points.
Vale emphatically swept United aside on the opening day of the season, running out as 3-0 victors at Vale Park courtesy of a brace from Tom Pope and an inch-perfect free-kick from Ricky Miller. Askey's men will now be looking to achieve the double when they make the journey south this weekend.
The new manager will be boosted by the news that both Pope and Ben Whitfield are back in contention after they returned to training earlier this week, but Manny Oyeleke is doubtful due to a calf injury. All of the deadline day signings will also be available for selection, and it will be interesting to see how the new gaffer sets his side up.
Cambridge United
Form: LDLWLLWWWL
League Position: 20th
Top Scorer: Jevani Brown (6 goals)
After finishing in mid-table last season, Cambridge would've been hoping to build on that this time around, but they currently lie 20th in Sky Bet League Two. Joe Dunne was releived of his duties as manager after just 20 games in charge, and Colin Calderwood was hired as his replacement in December 2018.
Whilst the U's sit just five points above the relegation zone, they have won three of their last four league fixtures, with their latest defeat coming in their latest outing against Exeter City. They will also be bouyed by the return of Reggie Lambe, whilst Jabo Ibehre and David Forde could also force their way back into the team.
Jake Doyle-Hayes and Hayden Coulson could make their debuts after signing on loan from Aston Villa and Middlesbrough respectively, but Liam O'Neil remains sidelined due to a hip problem.
One to watch: George Maris
The 22-year-old midfielder came through the youth ranks at Barnsley before spending time out on loan at Nuneaton Town, Guiseley and Lincoln City. He then left Oakwell to sign for Cambridge in the summer of 2016, and he has been a key figure for United.
As a creative midfielder, he provides the U's with an attacking spark and he currently has six goals to his name in all competitions, but he has also chipped in with four assists from 34 appearances.
Talk
John Askey: "If the supporters can realise what position the football club are in, the most important thing is to get behind the players, regardless of what's going on.
"Just give them all your support. As long as they are working as hard as they can, that's all you expect as a supporter, I'm sure. Hopefully the results will come, especially at home."
Colin Calderwood: “Certainly the points tally is much better at home, and I think we’ve got to add to the atmosphere created in the stadium by the support and the feeling that everyone seems to have about us is that we can be really competitive at home and do okay.
“I think we’ve got to harness this moment and develop ourselves and hopefully the supporters see us develop.
“They have a huge part to play in adding to what we want to make a really difficult place for opposition to come."
Coverage
iFollow 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.