Set to take place on January 7, 2025 at Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent, Port Vale and Wrexham are much awaited game. The stadium for this EFL Trophy Round of 16 matchup will be one able to accommodate up to 19,052 people. Referee Dysdale D. will oversee the game to guarantee fair play at this pivotal point of the campaign.
Aiming for victory in both the league and cup events, both clubs go to this game with great stakes. While Wrexham is chasing further success in League One on the momentum of its aspirational owners, Port Vale is battling for promotion from League Two. This game seems to be a tactical struggle between two teams ready for advancement.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Here are some important notes for the Port Vale vs Wrexham prediction today before delving further into this game. Port Vale suffers with consistency in the league but remains a strong competitor in the EFL Trophy, therefore both clubs go into the game with different strengths; Wrexham shows superiority at home but has suffered in their away games. Both teams are anticipated to rotate squads; coaches want to strike a balance between league objectives and cup aspirations. The last group stage match between these clubs concluded in a penalty shootout, therefore highlighting the equal character of this competition. The result of this pivotal collision will probably be much influenced by tactical changes.
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Port Vale Results
Port Vale’s recent performances have been inconsistent, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by struggles in the league. Their last five matches reflect these challenges:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 04/01/2025 | League Two | Doncaster vs Port Vale | 1-2 | W |
| 01/01/2025 | League Two | Port Vale vs Cheltenham | 0-0 | D |
| 29/12/2024 | League Two | Grimsby vs Port Vale | 3-0 | L |
| 26/12/2024 | League Two | Bradford vs Port Vale | 2-1 | L |
| 21/12/2024 | League Two | Port Vale vs Carlisle | 0-0 | D |
Port Vale’s recent victory against Doncaster was their first win in six matches, marking a crucial turnaround in form. However, their lack of goals in several matches remains a concern, with their defense often under pressure.
Wrexham Results
Wrexham has been solid in recent games, especially at home, but their away form continues to raise questions. Here is a summary of their last five matches:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 04/01/2025 | League One | Wrexham vs Peterborough | 1-0 | W |
| 01/01/2025 | League One | Barnsley vs Wrexham | 2-1 | L |
| 29/12/2024 | League One | Wrexham vs Wigan | 2-1 | W |
| 26/12/2024 | League One | Wrexham vs Blackpool | 2-1 | W |
| 21/12/2024 | League One | Bristol Rovers vs Wrexham | 1-1 | D |
Wrexham’s three consecutive home wins have solidified their position in League One, but their away loss to Barnsley highlights their vulnerability on the road. Their ability to score consistently at home contrasts sharply with their struggles in away fixtures.
Port Vale vs Wrexham Head-to-Head
These two teams have a competitive history, with closely fought matches in recent years. Here are the results of their last five encounters:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 12/11/2024 | EFL Trophy | Port Vale vs Wrexham | 2-1 |
| 07/11/2023 | EFL Trophy | Wrexham vs Port Vale | 2-1 |
| 14/08/2007 | EFL | Port Vale vs Wrexham | 1-2 |
| 04/11/2005 | FA Cup | Port Vale vs Wrexham | 2-1 |
| 26/04/2005 | League One | Port Vale vs Wrexham | 0-2 |
Port Vale holds a slight advantage in recent encounters, with two wins from their last three meetings. However, the narrow margins in these games suggest that this rivalry is tightly contested.
Port Vale Predicted Lineup
Port Vale’s possible starting XI for this EFL Trophy clash reflects their emphasis on stability at the back and a mix of youth and experience in attack. Manager Darren Moore is expected to field a balanced side, ensuring defensive solidity while maintaining attacking threats.
Ripley (GK), Smith (DF), Heneghan (DF), Grant (DF), Clark (DF), Chislett (MF), Lowe (MF), Shorrock (MF), Tolaj (MF), Paton (FW), Edwards (FW)
Wrexham Predicted Lineup
Wrexham’s lineup is likely to feature a blend of first-choice players and rotational options as manager Phil Parkinson aims to manage fatigue while competing in multiple tournaments. Their attacking style could be on full display with this predicted starting XI.
Foster (GK), James (DF), Scarr (DF), McCarthy (DF), Forde (DF), Jones (MF), Dobson (MF), Adam (MF), Revan (MF), Faal (FW), Bodvarsson (FW)
INJURED AND QUESTIONABLE PLAYERS
Both teams will have to cope without certain key players due to injuries and other issues. Below is a list of unavailable players for this fixture:
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Port Vale | Jayden Stockley | Injury |
| Port Vale | Benicio Baker-Boaitey | Injury |
| Port Vale | Rekeem Harper | Injury |
| Port Vale | George Byers | Injury |
| Wrexham | Jack Marriott | Injury (Doubtful) |
| Wrexham | Jamie Jones | Injury |
| Wrexham | George Evans | Injury |
| Wrexham | Luke Bolton | Long-term Injury |
| Wrexham | Will Boyle | Long-term Injury |
The absence of these players could significantly influence the strategies of both managers, potentially opening opportunities for other squad members to step up in this crucial EFL Trophy match.
Key Factors to Watch For
Both teams have notable strengths and weaknesses, which will play a role in the outcome of this match. Here are some key points:
- Injury concerns: Wrexham’s Jack Marriott and Port Vale’s Jayden Stockley are doubtful for this match;
- Squad rotation: Both managers are expected to make changes to preserve their key players for league games;
- Away form of Wrexham: Wrexham’s poor away performance in League One could affect their confidence;
- Recent form of Port Vale: Port Vale’s recent win may boost morale but their inconsistency remains a challenge;
- Top scorers absent: With key attackers unavailable, creativity in midfield will be critical for both teams;
- Head-to-head balance: Previous matches between these sides have been close, often decided by fine margins;
- Wrexham’s defensive resilience: Clean sheets in key games show their ability to grind out results;
- Port Vale’s home advantage: Playing at Vale Park could tilt the balance slightly in their favor.
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Free Tips on Port Vale vs Wrexham
Examining the Port Vale against Wrexham requires one to concentrate on elements influencing the result. These observations help one to better grasp what to anticipate from both historical patterns and tactical combinations. Based on statistics, team dynamics, and match circumstances, here are some free pointers:
- Historical Cup Performance: Port Vale has a stronger track record in cup competitions when playing at home, while Wrexham tends to struggle in away knockout matches. This historical trend may favor the hosts.
- Home Advantage: Port Vale’s familiarity with their home pitch at Vale Park provides them with an edge, especially against a Wrexham side with inconsistent away form this season.
- Referee Impact: Referee Drysdale D. is known for issuing numerous cards in high-stakes games. This could disrupt play, particularly for Wrexham, who have been less disciplined in recent matches.
- Squad Depth and Fitness: Port Vale’s squad rotation capabilities may give them a slight advantage, as Wrexham has several players recovering from injuries and relies heavily on a few key individuals.
- Tactical Styles: Wrexham’s counter-attacking style may struggle against Port Vale’s controlled possession game, particularly on a pitch that favors the hosts’ methodical approach.
Keep these tips in mind to better predict how the game might unfold and make informed decisions when placing bets.
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Match Prediction: Port Vale vs Wrexham
Two clubs striving for advancement in the EFL Trophy should find this game to be a fiercely fought clash. Port Vale could find it difficult to break down defensively strong Wrexham given their previous difficulties and injury worries. Wrexham’s away record begs questions about their capacity to seize opportunities, however.
The Port Vale vs Wrexham odds point to a tightly matched contest when extra time or penalties might follow. Given Wrexham’s stronger league position and team depth, a close victory for them looks most plausible.
Our Prediction: Port Vale 1-2 Wrexham
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Wrexham to Win | 1.99 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.76 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 Goals | 1.88 |
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