As Port Vale host Oxford United tomorrow evening in the FA Cup, we take a look at all the news.
Competition: Emirates FA Cup
Fixture: Port Vale vs Oxford United
Venue: Vale Park
Date: Friday 3rd November 2017
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Preview
Vale will be hoping to bounce back from their first defeat in four games as they welcome Sky Bet League One side, Oxford United, to Burslem on Friday night.
Neil Aspin’s side will be determined to test themselves against a strong U’s team and a place in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup will be the prize for the winner.
Opposition
Oxford United also suffered a defeat last time out as Fleetwood Town scored two late goals to prevail in a Sky Bet League One clash.
It has been a solid start to the season for United, though. They sit 10th in the division after playing 16 games, remaining just two points from a play-off position.
A recent dip in form will disappoint Pep Clotet as his side are now without a win in three games, but they will be looking to put this right on Friday.
Talk
Neil Aspin: “If we play like we did against Swindon we will have no chance, but if we play to our best and perform like we did at Exeter, we are capable of giving them a good test.
“But, having seen Oxford play, they have some very talented players and they keep the ball well - I would say they’re better than the level they’re playing at.
Pep Clotet: “Obviously it is going to be very hard because before they lost at the weekend Port Vale had won three games in a row. They are strong, they have a good intensity and are good going forward. We are expecting a physical game as well and the cup is always played at a million miles per hour.
“But I see all our players wanting to be involved and wanting to make progress in a different competition. It gives you different things to think about and we have been very positive about it this week.”
Team News
Vale are still without creative midfielder, Ben Whitfield, following the ankle injury he picked up during the win away at Exeter City earlier this month.
Rob Lainton, Sam Hornby and Kjell Knops all remain sidelined too and they will be unavailable for selection.
Joe Davis and Tyrone Barnett are also out after sustaining injuries during training, while Kelle Roos remains a serious doubt.
Anton Forrester did return to action with a goal for the Reserves last week, however, meaning he could feature.
The visitors will be buoyed by the return of Rob Hall after the midfielder returned to fitness following an injury he suffered in September.
Defender, Dwight Tiendalli made his comeback against Fleetwood after a lengthy layoff. He could again feature, as could Christian Ribeiro, a full-back who has been playing through a hip problem.
Coverage
Follow The Vale will be providing full 90 minute commentary from the match, while the Port Vale Twitter and Facebook feed 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.