Match Discussion: Game 32 - The Valiants (A) Live

[PON_News]

Game 32 - The Valiants (A)

Team: Port Vale

Date: 13/02/2025

Where: The Vale

What line-up should Stuart Maynard opt for? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?

Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.

[Robbie 𝕏 @Robbie_NCFC]

The game against Port Vale is the most important game of the season so far for Notts in my opinion.

Notts are in sparkling form at the moment & will want to continue their excellent run, however this will be a stern test for the Magpies against one of the best sides in the Division.

Notts lost their home encounter with Vale 0-1 in October. Notts played well in that match  with plenty of possession, but were unable to break through the Vale defence.

Key areas tomorrow are going to be all over the pitch. Notts will need to be tight at the back & try to dominate the midfield. Hopefully, Didzy will be available to partner Jatta upfront.

I think Notts can be a threat upfront to any side in this division with Jatta & Didzy in such a rich vein of form. Vale will be weary of both of them.

I'm sure Charlie Whitaker will continue in an attacking midfield role. Notts will need to try to get behind the Vale defence. Something they failed to do in October.

I will be happy to take a draw from this match, avoid a defeat, & move on. 0:0 or 1:1 would do nicely.

PS. I've listened to Stuart's pre Vale presser & it appears that Jodi & Didzy injuries are still being assessed so they probably won't be in contention for the Vale match.

[Fan of Big Tone 𝕏 @mainstandpie]

It’ll be a bit strange playing on Thursday which is the 13th by the way @PON_News I shall watch on the telly, hopefully Didzy will be back and Jodie is recovered because we’ll need our best players on top form for this one.

 

[liampie]

@Robbie made me aware of it, and it was being sorted by @Chris as @Fan of Big Tone posted. say that in real life.

both teams are in good form, neither have lost and that gives the game higher stakes. i am hoping it forces the game to be focused on attacking, openly and both teams giving it their all but i do think it might be a game where both cancel each other out. i really do feel this will end in a 2-2 draw, if not that it still a draw. its better than being defeated, so i would take the point. @menzinho has mentioned about how we have done against top teams and it will be a game which might start allowing more fans to believe we can get automatic promotion.

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

In the home encounter with Port Vale, their then-keeper Connor Ripley played a big part in their leaving with three points. However, Ripley is now on loan with Swindon Town, and they now play Ben Amos.

Connor Ripley: Swindon Town sign Port Vale goalkeeper on deal until end of season

WWW.BBC.CO.UK

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Swindon Town sign goalkeeper Connor Ripley from Port Vale on a deal until the end of the season.

If Notts is able to generate scoring opportunities throughout the match, I can anticipate that they will find the back of the net multiple times, particularly because Port Vale has shown they struggle when it comes to maintaining a solid defensive line. Their tendency to leave gaps and vulnerabilities could certainly be exploited by Notts. Given the attacking prowess that Notts possesses, it seems likely that they could capitalise on any defensive lapses. Ultimately, it may lead to an exciting match filled with goals.

Similarly, Port Vale should not be underestimated. I think we are in a good position to be able to do what they did to us, but I really wouldn't hope we settled for one goal like they did in their 1-0 win at our ground.

[True Magpie]

Port Vale will be a tough game with them making a push to sustain a playoff push. I don't know much about their squad or its depth. Vale can be a team that does well, but I think it will come down to how Notts manage to perform away from home.

Start brightly, assert a strong hold on the midfield play and defensively start well. Then I think Notts would be more focused on being creative. Having a brief look at Vale's results, it does look like they struggle at times defensively but I am reminded that the same can be said about us despite a strong focus towards defending.

I think it will be a big game for the likes of Alex Bass and Alassana Jatta, respectively. Notts taking the lead would force the game to be played open but conceding could come if a sluggish start is made. Both teams could very well cancel each other out. A lot has changed since our last encounter with them, but it will be difficult.

[NottsCountyKev]

Port Vale away will be a tough challenge, but we’re heading into the game with confidence. Defensively, we have improved significantly from earlier in the season, and it’s showing in our recent performances. Maynard’s advice about keeping clean sheets has been crucial to our success. The injuries to key players like Jones and McGoldrick are worrying, but the depth in our squad is being tested, and players like Whittaker stepping up is encouraging.

Facing Port Vale, it's vital we maintain our defensive shape and seize our chances. We need to start strongly, control the midfield, and focus on being creative. Vale has had their struggles defensively, and if we play our game right, I believe we can come away with a positive result. I agree this match will be a big test for Alex Bass and Alassana Jatta, and I’m optimistic about our chances.

[lambleypie]

Port Vale will be a good indication, regardless of the outcome, of how this Notts squad will react. I am, as always, hoping for a win.

[KingMaynard]

I don't fear Port Vale. I just hope they focus on playing football and don't resort to being thugs like Morecambe did. It could be a very long game if we don't get any protection from the referee, so I do wish it's a good game for footballing reasons.

[menzinho]

We have had a slightly favourable run of fixtures up until this one, it’s easy to get complacent though unlike us Wimbledon couldn’t beat Accrington and Port Vale couldn’t beat Swindon, so I’m definitely not dismissing our recent good results. It has been great run of form but Port Vale are different challenge, they are better than the teams we’ve faced recently.

Part of me sees it going two ways, crashing back to reality with a damning defeat, or the run has installed so much confidence we just plough on and keep our run of good form going.

I also hope Didzy can come back in, it might just be case of not giving too much away to keep Port Vale guessing. I think Jodi is more likely to miss it though but I’m hoping Tsaroulla will ok because I think he’ll provide us with a bit more defensive nous.

I’d be happy to come away from this one with a point.

[yelobeli]

I’m reading that as no Jodi or Didzy tomorrow. Jarvis starting then, with Charlie playing in an advanced midfield position. Get the ball up to Jatta and hope he takes his chances. A win tomorrow would be a real statement and guarantee second place come Saturday night.

[Blake]

Come on Notts! We can do this. The results and performances have been much better since the injury list narrowed down. While David McGoldrick and Jodi Jones are big losses, I believe in the squad.

[Robbie 𝕏 @Robbie_NCFC]

Preview of the match from Port Vale's point of view.

Match Preview | Port Vale vs Notts County | Port Vale FC

WWW.PORT-VALE.CO.UK

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We return to Vale Park on Thursday night as we take on Notts County in front of...

 

[Dripsey3]

Port Vale away on a Thursday night. I think that is a first. 

Port Vale away is one of the tougher games. A point would be a decent result but Notts are in top form so you'd be hoping for a cheeky 3 points.

[liampie]

17 hours ago, menzinho said:

Part of me sees it going two ways, crashing back to reality with a damning defeat, or the run has installed so much confidence we just plough on and keep our run of good form going.

it will just be how we manage the minutes in the game as stuart maynard says, we need to be braver to make changes before we do go down and if in the lead handle it better. we can protect our leads, but we can gift goals. port vale look quite ropey from what i have seen from their highlights, i hope we can put into practice some set piece routines because i think it would pay off.

i do feel the same though, but sill quietly confident.

[Robbie 𝕏 @Robbie_NCFC]

It's Matchday.

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