Round 23 of the 2024-25 League Two season pits promotion hopefuls Grimsby Town and Port Vale against each other in Sunday's meeting at Blundell Park.
Albeit off the back of contrasting results last time out, both teams have enjoyed relatively decent starts to the current campaign ahead of its midway point this weekend.
Match preview
Following two defeats on the bounce, Grimsby Town handed their fans a much-welcome Boxing Day present by claiming a narrow 2-1 triumph at the expense of Harrogate Town in Thursday's meeting between the sides.
Making the most of a first league start in five outings, Evan Khouri got the ball rolling for David Artell's men with his opener 10 minutes into the second period, after which Jason Svanthorsson netted the clincher, rendering Stephen Duke-McKenna's late effort inconsequential.
In a gameweek that saw just two of the top seven come away with all three points, Grimsby were perhaps the biggest winners in the top half as they closed the gap to the final playoff spot to just goal difference.
However, the Mariners will need to tighten up at the back to sustain their push for promotion after conceding a 34th league goal of the season last time out, which is the most of any team not in the bottom seven.
Having not won back-to-back games since a run of three straight victories between September 21 and October 1, Sunday's hosts will be keen to come away with maximum points this weekend and close out 2024 on a high.
Winless in five straight league matches, Port Vale headed into their encounter against Bradford City in need of a huge lift but were left disappointed after a 2-1 defeat at the Valley Parade on Thursday afternoon.
Darren Moore's men paid the price for a slow start to the contest as they conceded a third-minute strike to Andy Cook before restoring parity via Antwoine Hackford early in the second half, albeit for only a brief moment as Cook netted the winner just shy of the hour mark.
While Port Vale remain second in the League Two table, they have now fallen a whopping nine points shy of Walsall despite having played one game more than the current leaders heading into their next outing.
A lack of offensive firepower has been a major concern for the Valiants, who have now gone 11 games across all competitions since they last scored more than one goal in a game at home to AFC Wimbledon.
Managing just one win from the last 10 editions of Sunday's fixture, this weekend's visitors certainly do not have history on their side, but their away record this term is the best in the division and will offer some cause for optimism.
Team News
Midfielder Thomas Sang will not be available for Port Vale's trip on Sunday after receiving his marching orders in the final knockings of the defeat to Bradford City.
In Sang's absence, 24-year-old Ruari Paton is expected to earn a recall to the visitors' starting lineup for this one off the back of a 14-minute cameo appearance.
Jason Svanthorsson came off the bench to good effect for Grimsby as he found the back of the net within five minutes of coming on as a substitute against Harrogate which could see him rewarded with a start here.
Now a regular for the home side since returning to action in early October, Englishman Jayden Luker put on a man-of-the-match display last time out, where he supplied two assists and will be looking to deliver the goods once again.
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Wright; Cass, Rodgers, McJannett, Hume; McEachran, Green, Khouri; Ainley, Luker, Gardner
Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Ripley; Debrah, Hall, Heneghan; Lowe, Chislett, Croasdale, Cover, Paton; Hackford, Stockley
We say: Grimsby Town 1-1 Port Vale
The away side are on a rough patch at the moment, presenting the hosts with an opportunity to continue their dominance in this fixture.
However, we are backing a share of the spoils with honours even at the sound of the full-time whistle.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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