Wanderers take on Port Vale on Saturday at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in the final home league game of the regular season in Sky Bet League One.
Ian Evatt’s men can still mathematically reach 2nd place in the division with two wins and other results working in their favour, but they’ll be eyeing a strong finish to the campaign regardless to build momentum if it is to be a play-off finish.
Manager quotes
Ian Evatt: “The season is still alive and at this stage of the season that was crucial for us,” said Evatt.
“We are still hoping for some help from elsewhere, that's fair to say, and we need to make sure we win our games, which we didn't manage to do on Tuesday and Saturday, even though largely the performances were pretty good.
“That's where we are at. If the automatics don't happen, which we know is going to be hard - but you never know in football - we've secured a second-leg home game (in the play-offs) which again is crucial to us and how we do things and how important being at home is with our fans.
“There's an awful lot to fight for. Yes, there are some frustrations and disappointment. Of course there is. As I've said before, now is not the time for that. We've had lots of good times this season and some bad as well.”
Port Vale Manager Darren Moore: “We all know the magnitude of the game on Saturday. It’s a big game and despite what’s happened in the rest of the season, it does all come down to Saturday.
“We need to concentrate on what we do and make sure we’re the best version of ourselves. We need to compete 100% all over the pitch. We’re still in the fight and we’re optimistic.
“Nerves can play a part for everyone. They’re at home and will be expected to win and we go there knowing what we need to do to remain in the fight. Both sides will understand the magnitude of the game.”
Team News
Captain Ricardo Almeida Santos missed out on Tuesday’s game and will be assessed ahead of the weekend to weigh up the risk and reward of him making a return.
Dion Charles got more minutes under his belt after a second substitute appearance since his return to injury.
Dan Nlundulu also made his first cameo after his long spell on the sidelines. He will be looking to build his fitness and sharpness up to be ready for a potential play-off campaign.
Gethin Jones and Josh Sheehan also didn’t feature in midweek but they could be in contention for selection on Saturday.
Form Guide
The Valiants are staring down the barrel of a return to the fourth tier after two seasons in League One. Vale have to at least match Burton Albion’s result to take it to the final day, otherwise they will be condemned to relegation out of the division.
In terms of their season overall, Vale got off to a dream start and won a total of seven games in their first ten in all competitions but that was to be their best run all season.
Only eight wins since then has positioned Darren Moore’s men in 22nd and currently five without a win.
Wanderers were frustrated by a 2-2 draw in midweek which put a dent in the challenge for the top two but the Whites must remain positive with two important games to follow to finish the season strongly to see where that takes them.
Officials:
Referee: Charles Breaskpear
Assistant Referees: Darren Williams and Paul Newhouse
Fourth Official: Matt Corlett
Kick-off:
Saturday, 3pm.
Coverage:
Supporters living outside of the UK can watch the game live via Wanderers TV with a match pass, which can be purchased HERE
Alternatively, UK supporters can listen to live full match commentary on Wanderers TV HERE.