Port Vale face tough visit from high-flying Cambridge United

Port Vale and Cambridge United go head to head on Saturday afternoon in a clash which could have prominent implications at both ends of the Sky Bet League Two table.

The Valiants currently occupy 18th place, three places above the drop zone, however, just one point away from being sucked into that bottom four. Darrell Clarke’s men don’t boast fantastic form either at this moment in time, having won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, although only the last two have been under their new manager.

Draws against Leyton Orient and Stevenage have ensured an unbeaten start for Clarke, however, the Burslem-based outfit still find themselves well within a relegation battle and are in desperate need of a win.

United’s campaign, on the other hand, has been a complete contrast to that of their upcoming opponents.

Lead by Mark Bonner, Cambridge are presently top of the table, although have played more matches than those around them at the league’s summit. Remarkably, there’s still a realistic chance for the majority of the top half to mount a title challenge themselves due to the points tallies being so close at this stage of the season.

Essentially, the U’s are by no means running away with the league, though, they are certainly stood in good stead to earn promotion as it stands.

Being top of the league does have its pressures though and Cambridge have found that out recently, having lost twice in their last five matches, including their most recent encounter with Cheltenham who are currently sat 3rd.

With the Valiants searching for their first three points under new management and the U’s recent wobble in form, Saturday’s match up could easily throw a spanner in the works for either side’s destiny.

Team News

The home side will definitely be without Luke Joyce and could also be missing David Worrall for the Cambridge clash, however, the jury is not yet out on the latter so there is a possibility we may see the midfielder in action after all.

As for the the away side, Bonner will be boosted by the return of Hiram Boateng and Liam O’Neil who have returned to fitness and are now in contention.

Paul Digby is still ruled out for the U’s, but Tottenham Hotspur loanee Shilow Tracey has just returned from a hamstring injury meaning he could potentially be in the reckoning.

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