Port Vale host Crewe Alexandra in a highly anticipated fixture this weekend, and you can find all of the key information ahead of the Sky Bet League Two clash below...
Fixture: Port Vale vs Crewe Alexandra
Competition: Sky Bet League Two
Date: Saturday 6th April 2019
Kick-Off: 3:00pm
Venue: Vale Park
Referee: Andy Davies
Port Vale
Form: LLLLDWWDLW
League Position: 20th
Top Scorer: Tom Pope (12 goals)
The Valiants will be determined to do the double over Crewe following the 1-0 win away at Gresty Road back in September, and a win could see John Askey's men widen the gap between themselves and the bottom two to 11 points.
Last time out, despite conceding after just five minutes and then having Leon Legge sent off before half-time, Vale produced a spirited comeback to beat Northampton Town 2-1 at the PTS Academy Stadium. David Worrall and Tom Pope found the net to secure all three points, and they are both set to feature on Saturday.
As a result of his dismissal last weekend, Legge will be an absentee and he is expected to be replaced by Kyle Howkins who impressed from the bench against the Cobblers. Apart from that, Vale should have a fully fit squad to select from as they look to make it two wins in succession in the league.
Crewe Alexandra
Form: DWDLLLDWWL
League Position: 14th
Top Scorer: Chris Porter (10 goals)
David Artell's men would've been targeting a late push for the play-off positions in the fourth tier, but the home defeat to struggling Cheltenham Town last weekend has put a dent in those ambitions and the Railwaymen now lie eight points behind Exeter City who occupy 7th place.
Crewe's home record is one of the best in the division, but their away form is the second worst and they have only picked up 15 points on their travels all season. The 'Alex' have won three, drawn six and lost 11 of their 20 away fixtures so far this term.
They will also be without their captain when they make the trip to Burslem as he was sent off during the 3-1 loss to Cheltenham Town last time out. Midfielders James Jones and Oliver Finney are pushing for recalls after being left out of the starting line-up for that game, however.
One to watch: Charlie Kirk
Having progressed through the youth system at Gresty Road, Charlie Kirk was handed his senior debut for the club back in 2016 and he has gone on to cement himself as a regular in the starting line-up over the last few years.
Now 21, the attacking midfielder has been one of Crewe's standout players during this campaign and he currently has eight goals to his name as well as five assists. He has been an ever present in the side, and he has racked up 40 appearances in all competitions in 2018/19.
His performances last season were rewarded with a fresh three-year contract, and he is now set to stay in Chesire until 2021. With his latest goal coming in the 6-1 victory over Crawley Town on the 16th March, he will be in confident mood when he and his teammates arrive at Vale Park.
Talk
John Askey: "There's going to be a good crowd and there is still a lot to play for, but it's always one of the first games you look forward to at the start of the season. It's all about the bragging rights, but they'll be up for it just as much as we will.
"We have a little bit more riding on it, but hopefully we can continue doing what we have been doing and that's playing good football. We want to play at a good tempo so that we give our supporters something to cheer about.
David Artell: “We all know how much the game means to the supporters. I am sure that most Crewe fans know a Port Vale fan and vice versa. It happens and we want our fans to seek them out next week with a wry smile on their faces."
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.