Cheltenham Town will look to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat in League One when they play host to Port Vale on Saturday.

The visitors are also aiming to return to winning ways after losing their last two matches to Peterborough United and Derby County.

Match preview

Cheltenham are still waiting for their first points of 2023 after beginning the calendar year with four consecutive defeats.

Although Taylor Perry and Alfie May managed to find the net against league leaders Plymouth Argyle last weekend, the Robins were ultimately beaten by a 4-2 scoreline.

After conceding two goals in every game of their four-match losing run, Cheltenham know that they need to improve defensively if they are to end their poor run of form.

With six defeats in their last seven league matches, the Robins head into the weekend in 18th place in the League One table, with four points separating them from the drop zone.

Cheltenham will be looking to replicate the 3-2 victory that they recorded in their last competitive home meeting with Port Vale.

Meanwhile, Port Vale's hopes of mounting a playoff push have been dampened after losing three of their last four games.

They looked well set to claim all three points against Derby in midweek after Funso Ojo gave the Valiants the lead, but the Rams scored in the 87th and 89th minute to condemn Port Vale to consecutive defeats.

That 2-1 loss puts Port Vale in 14th place ahead of the weekend's round of fixtures, leaving them 11 points clear of the relegation zone and eight points adrift of the top six.

Even if a playoff charge is not possible this season, a mid-table finish would still be regarded as a respectable campaign after winning promotion from League Two last season.

Having scored only one of their 14 away goals in the first half of games this season, Port Vale will be targeting a positive opening period on Saturday.

Team News

Liam Sercombe missed the defeat to Plymouth with an Achilles tendon problem, and he is expected to be out for a few weeks, while Daniel Adshead and Lewis Freestone are also sidelined.

After recently joining on loan from Ipswich Town, Elkan Baggott could be given his Cheltenham debut on Saturday.

Fellow January arrival Will Goodwin has scored one goal in his three competitive appearances for the Robins, and he will be looking to find the net when he partners May in the front two.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of James Wilson, while Tom Conlon and Ellis Harrison may also be unavailable due to injury issues.

Ojo came into the starting XI for the defeat to Derby, and after scoring Port Vale's only goal of the game, he could retain his place in midfield.

Mipo Odubeko dropped out of the lineup in midweek, but he may return to the side to feature in the forward line on Saturday.

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Southwood; Long, Taylor, Baggott; Broom, Bonds, Perry, Ferry; Olayinka; May, Goodwin

Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Stevens; Cass, Smith, Jones; Worrall, Garrity, Ojo, Benning; Butterworth; Odubeko, Massey

We say: Cheltenham Town 1-1 Port Vale

The two teams drew 2-2 when they met earlier in the season, and we think that they could play out another draw on Saturday, which may suit both sides following their recent defeats.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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