Fleetwood Town will be aiming to end a winless run of three games across all competitions when they host Port Vale at Highbury Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors, meanwhile, will be looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time since December when they make the trip to Lancashire.

Match preview

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Fleetwood enter this contest off the back of a 2-0 defeat away at Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening, courtesy of goals from Chris Forino and Sam Vokes.

In fact, the Cods' form has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, having tasted defeat in their previous two matches prior to the defeat at Adams Park in midweek – they were beaten by a single goal in their FA Cup tie with Burnley before losing against Cheltenham Town in the league.

Scott Brown will not be overly concerned with his side's form, as prior to those three defeats Fleetwood were unbeaten in their previous six matches, winning five of those contests.

A record of 10 wins, 12 draws and 13 defeats from 35 matches has seen the Cods collect 42 points, which is enough for 14th spot in the table, nine points clear of the relegation zone.

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Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest loanee Aaron Donnelly scored his first professional goal as Port Vale ended a run of just one win in 10 by beating MK Dons 1-0 at Vale Park last time out.

The 19-year-old centre-back was on hand to tap David Worrall's shot beyond Jamie Cumming and net the first goal of his career.

That victory leaves the Valiants one point, and one place, above this weekend's opponents in the table, amassing 43 points in 35 games.

Darrell Clarke's side triumphed 2-1 in the reverse fixture between these sides on the opening day of the season back in July, with Nathan Smith and Connor Hall getting on the scoresheet that day.

Team News

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Fleetwood will again be without long-term absentee Darnell Johnson.

The visitors did not suffer any fresh issues in their loss at Wycombe, but head coach Brown could make a couple of changes due to the disappointing result.

Jayden Stockley could lead the line once again after being named on the bench for the trip to Wycombe, while Scott Robertson could start in the engine room.

Meanwhile, Darrell Clarke is unlikely to make many changes to his side after their victory against MK Dons, so we could see an unchanged starting XI on Saturday.

Aidan Stone is expected to keep his place between the sticks, while Will Forrester, Nathan Smith and Aaron Donnelly make up the defence.

Matt Taylor and Ellis Harrison look set to continue their strike partnership in the final third, and Ben Garrity looks likely to retain his place in midfield.

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:
Lynch; Holgate, Nsiala, Earl; Rooney, Vela, Warrington, Patterson; Gomes, Marriott; Stockley

Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Stone; Forrester, Smith, Donnelly; Worrall, Ojo, Garrity, Pett, Benning; Taylor, Harrison

We say: Fleetwood Town 1-0 Port Vale

Both sides have struggled for form lately, so we think this will be a closely-fought contest.

However, Port Vale have lost their last three matches on their travels, so we think Fleetwood will have enough quality to edge this match.


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