Busy Port Vale have run into injury problems ahead of trip to Peterborough United, plus form guide, big match odds, ref watch
Port Vale have run into injury problems as they start a run of six League One games in 16 days at Peterborough United on Thursday.
Centre-forward Jayden Stockley was forced off at half-time in Vale’s 0-0 home draw with Barnsley on Tuesday night.
He has joined influential defender Kyle John, veteran midfielder Funso Ojo, central defender Ben Heneghan and midfielder George Byers on the absentee list for the game at the Weston Homes Stadium.
Vale are 15 points from safety and will be relegated if they lose at Posh and if AFC Wimbledon pick up a point from a Wednesday night home game with Stockport County.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Forward Ben Waine, a New Zealand international teammate of Posh star Matty Garbett, made his name this season with vital FA Cup goals including the winner in a 1-0 success over Premier League Sunderland. His three League One goals make him the top scorer in Vale’s squad alongside Stockley.
George Hall looked like a dangerous winger when Posh won 1-0 at Vale Park in December, while goalkeeper Joe Gauci, who is on loan from Aston Villa, has enjoyed a strong season. Gauci saved a penalty against Barnsley on Tuesday.
FORM GUIDE
Vale haven’t lost or conceded a goal in their last two matches with the draw against Barnsley following a 1-0 win over relegated Rotherham. They are the lowest scorers in the division with 30 goals in 40 games, but have conceded the 10th fewest goals. Vale have let in 54 goals compared to the 58 conceded by Posh.
Vale have won and lost 12 of their 19 away games this season. They have won at Orient and Northampton in 2026.
PAST MATCHES
Posh have won 11 and lost five of 27 Football League matches against Port Vale at London Road. Posh have won the last six meetings, home and away.
Posh won the last clash 3-0 in League One April 2024 with goals from Joel Randall, Harrison Burrows and an own goal.
Vale last won this fixture 3-2 in March 2016 in League One after Posh had led 2-0 at the break through goals from Jon Taylor and Aaron Williams.
RAF WATCH
Harry Wager referees his first League One match tomorrow. He’s been on League Two duty lately having started the season in the National League.
Wager has issued 69 yellow cards and two red cards in 16 outings this season.
BIG MATCH ODDS
Posh are 4-6 to win tomorrow’s match with Sky Bet who have Port Vale listed at 100-30. It’s 29-20 for the draw.