Port Vale play host to Barrow on Saturday afternoon sitting just one point adrift of second position in the League Two table.
Meanwhile, the sustained poor form of the visitors has led to them dropping down to the mid-table spots, 12 points adrift of the playoffs.
Match preview
The mood has lowered at Port Vale in recent weeks, Darren Moore's side having incredibly put together an eight-match winless streak from a position of strength.
Failing to win a single league game since edging past lowly Morecambe on November 16 gave cause for concern ahead of a trip to promotion rivals Doncaster Rovers last weekend.
However, Vale responded by recording a much-needed 2-1 success, holding on during the closing stages having finally scored more than twice in a game for the first time since October 26.
Remarkably, Vale still hold the best away record in the division, but just 13 goals have been scored in their 11 league matches on familiar territory.
A total of only four wins have been posted during that period, while they have failed to net in their most recent three such encounters.
That will give hope to a Barrow side that have gone from expected promotion contenders to a team left in the obscurity of mid-table.
Stephen Clemence is arguably fortunate to still be in a job after a run of just two victories from their last 17 encounters in the fourth tier.
The fact that six points being collected from their most recent seven games represents an improvement highlights the rut that Barrow have found themselves in.
Last time out, the Bluebirds went down by a 2-0 scoreline at the hands of Harrogate Town, leaving them just eight points above the relegation zone.
Team News
Although Moore made effective use out of his substitutes to see out the win at Doncaster, he could stick with the same Vale XI.
Antwoine Hackford and Lorent Tolaj each contributed a goal or assist in that contest and should retain their places in attack.
New signing Kyle Cameron lasted just 30 minutes for Barrow on debut and could be replaced in the side by Neo Eccleston.
Isaac Fletcher, another fresh face who has been signed from Spennymoor, may be given more time to get used to this level of football before earning a start.
Gerard Garner is in contention to secure a recall in attack, likely in place of Emile Acquah.
Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Amos; Smith, Heneghan, Hall; Clark, Croasdale, Lowe, Garrity, Headley; Hackford, Tolaj
Barrow possible starting lineup:
Farman; Vassell, Canavan, Eccleston; Newby, Spence, Gotts, Jackson; Mahoney; Garner, Dallas
We say: Port Vale 1-1 Barrow
On the back of edging out Doncaster last time out, Port Vale are on a high, a rarity after recent matches. However, we feel that they may struggle to get over the line here, leading us to back a low-scoring draw with a Barrow outfit who ideally require three points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
body check tags ::
Previews by email
