Pre-Match Thoughts - Port Vale

Now the drama of the transfer window is gone, Posh can finally concentrate fully on their return to form (hopefully) in League One, starting on Saturday at Port Vale

Port Vale

Michael Brown took over from Bruno Ribeiro earlier on in the season and is unbeaten at Vale Park so far. He's made a number of changes to the squad, including allowing Anthony Grant to join the Posh on deadline day.

He lost Jak Alnwick, brother of Ben, and brought in Leo Fasan on loan from Celtic. He's also added young QPR midfielders Axel Prohouly and Olamide Shodipo to his ranks on loan, whilst experienced midfielder/defender Danny Pugh joined on a permanent deal from Blackpool.

It's always a battle at Vale Park, and I wouldn't expect this game to be any different. In general, teams leave there knowing they've been in a game, whether they won or not. As of late, the Valliants have been in good form, especially at home, and will be well aware of Posh's recent run of poor results.

Posh

It must have come as a relief to everyone at the club when the window closed. There's always a huge amount of speculation surrounding our players in January, and it looked as though a few heads were turned. But as it is, we didn't sell any of our main assets, so everyone can knuckle down again and start to work towards improving our form.

Andrew Hughes may not be fit for the game, so Jerome Binnom-Williams could continue at left back. Michael Bostwick is out for a month, so I'd expect Dominic Ball to come in for him. I imagine Anthony Grant will start at the home of his former club, possibly replacing Leo Da Silva Lopes. Gwion Edwards could also be in with a shout of starting, following an indifferent display from Martin Samuelsen last week. Craig Mackail-Smith joined on deadline day, but I think he will have to settle for a place amongst the substitutes at this moment in time.

Posh have a number of midfield and forward options, and Grant McCann must be considering changes after the horror show against MK Dons.

Predicted line up (click image to enlarge): 

Subs: Tyler, Hughes, Da Silva Lopes, Samuelsen, Angol, Taylor, Mackail-Smith

Prediction: Port Vale 1-1 Posh - As previously stated, Michael Brown is unbeaten at Vale Park so far, and it's always a battle. I think it'd take a hugely improved performance from Posh to come away with a win, so I'm predicting a draw this week. 

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