Preview: Port Vale vs. Wycombe Wanderers – prediction, team news, lineups

Port Vale will try to end a streak of three games without a win if they are welcomed Wycombe Walker for a League One meeting on Saturday.

The visitors, meanwhile, are aiming for back-to-back victories after beating Oxford United 1-0 last time out.

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Port Vale’s hopes of an ambitious playoff push have been dashed in recent weeks after clinching a point in their last three games.

After back-to-back defeats to Peterborough United and Derby County, the Valiants were held to a goalless draw away by Cheltenham Town.

The Valiants are currently in 13th place and while closing a 10-point gap might prove too far, they can still be content with their current position after winning promotion from the second tier last season.

While the hosts are trying to end a three-game winless streak, they are also hoping to avoid a third straight home defeat.

Before their home defeats to Peterborough and Derby Darrell ClarkeThe side have three straight 1-0 wins at home and will look to regain that form on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Wycombe have lost just two of their last eight games and both defeats came against the two sides currently automatically in the promotion places – Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday.

In their most recent outing, they scored goals in the first half Sam Vokes and Anise Mehmeti led Wycombe to a 2-0 home win over Oxford.

As a result of their impressive defensive performance against the U’s, Gareth Ainsworth‘s side conceded their 11th goal in League One – only three teams have recorded more shutouts in League Three this season.

Despite playing a game more than sixth-placed Barnsley and separating them by five points from the Tykes, Wycombe still have hopes of reaching the playoffs.

The Chairboys have a chance of back-to-back wins on Saturday and if they take all three points the first goal could be crucial as Wycombe have lost all five away games in the league in which they have conceded their first goal this season .

Port Vale League One Form:

Form of Wycombe Wanderers League One:

Team News

Port Vale could still do without the services of forwards James Wilson and Ellis Harrisonwho have not been available in recent weeks due to injury.

However, the Valiants strengthened their forward options on transfer deadline day with the signing MattTaylor on loan from Oxford and could make his Port Vale debut against Wycombe.

Tom Conlon has missed the last three games through injury but Port Vale hope their captain is fit enough to at least be on the bench on Saturday.

As for Wycombe, they need to replace the nine league goals scored by their top scorer Anis Mehmeti, who joined Championship side Bristol City on the last day of the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, the Chairboys could make a debut Chem Campbellwho is on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

After falling to the bench for the win over Oxford, Gareth McCleary is expected to return to the starting XI.

Port Vale possible starting line-up:
Stevens; Cass, Smith, Donnelly; Worrall, Garrity, Ojo, Benning; Butterworth, Politics, Massey

Wycombe Wanderers possible starting line-up:
Stryek; McCarthy, Grimmer, Tafazolli, Obita; wing, scowen; Wheeler, Campbell, McCleary; Voices

We say Port Vale 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers

Wycombe ended a three-game winless run away with a 3-0 win over Peterborough in their final game of the journey and we believe they will clinch another victory on Saturday when they meet a Port Vale side who have has lost their last two home games.

For a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, goal scores and more for this game, please click here.

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