Port Vale vs Fleetwood Prediction & Match Preview – 9 January

Port Vale vs Fleetwood Prediction & Match Preview for 9 January. This Friday, 9 January, the FA Cup presents an intriguing clash between Port Vale and Fleetwood at Vale Park. Both teams are eager to make their mark in this prestigious competition, with high stakes as they battle for a place in the next round. Port Vale will look to capitalise on their home advantage and familiarity with Vale Park.

Fleetwood, meanwhile, will be aiming to upset the hosts and progress further in the FA Cup. With both teams hailing from England, this promises to be a competitive encounter. The FA Cup is renowned for its surprises, and both Port Vale and Fleetwood will be keen to deliver strong performances. As the teams prepare for this important fixture, fans can expect a tightly contested match under the Friday night lights.

Port Vale vs Fleetwood – Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Port Vale to Win	1.63

Given Port Vale’s recent emphatic 5-1 victory at home against Blackpool and Fleetwood’s inconsistent form, our recommended betting tip is to back Port Vale to win. The current odds of 1.65 for a Port Vale victory offer good value considering their attacking capabilities and home advantage.

• Port Vale have scored in six consecutive matches in this competition, showcasing their attacking strength.
• Fleetwood have shown vulnerabilities away from home, as evidenced by their narrow defeat to Grimsby.
• The home advantage at Vale Park, with the hosts more accustomed to the chilly, cloudy conditions, gives Port Vale an additional edge.

Betting Odds

Port Vale enter this FA Cup tie as clear favourites, with bookmakers offering odds of 1.63 on a home win. Fleetwood are seen as the underdogs at 4.81, suggesting a tough challenge at Vale Park.

Betting Tip	Odds
Port Vale to win	1.63
Draw	3.86
Fleetwood to win	4.81

For those looking to bet, the draw is priced at 3.86, which could be tempting given the unpredictable nature of cup ties. Watch for the potential of a surprise result, especially if Fleetwood can capitalise on any defensive lapses from the hosts.

Port Vale – Analysis & Recent Performance

Port Vale’s recent form has been mixed, with one win, three defeats, and one draw in their last five matches. Their most recent outing was an emphatic 5-1 victory over Blackpool at Vale Park, underlining their attacking potential.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Port Vale	Blackpool	5 – 1 (Win)	League One	1 Jan 2026
Bradford	Port Vale	1 – 0 (Loss)	League One	29 Dec 2025
Huddersfield	Port Vale	5 – 0 (Loss)	League One	26 Dec 2025
Port Vale	Peterborough	0 – 1 (Loss)	League One	20 Dec 2025
Luton	Port Vale	2 – 2 (Draw)	League One	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five games, Port Vale have averaged 1.40 goals per match while conceding 2.00, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities despite their attacking prowess. They have scored in two of these matches but have yet to keep a clean sheet, indicating room for improvement at the back. Their home form is stronger, with three wins from their last five home games, giving them a 60% win rate at Vale Park.

Team Dynamics:

• WLLLD

Devante Cole has been pivotal, contributing two goals recently, and their attack looks promising when in full flow. However, the team’s defensive frailties, evidenced by a lack of clean sheets, could be a concern. Their ability to convert possession into goals was evident against Blackpool, but consistency remains key.

Port Vale – Suspensions & Injuries

Port Vale approach this FA Cup tie against Fleetwood with no players sidelined through injury or suspension. This full squad availability allows manager Jon Brady to field his strongest line-up, offering a strategic advantage. With the entire roster to choose from, Brady can implement his preferred tactical setup without restriction.

The absence of unavailable players means Port Vale can maintain consistency in both formation and style of play. This could prove crucial in a cup match, where stability and familiarity often make the difference. Brady’s options are wide open, allowing him to potentially rotate his squad to keep players fresh while still fielding a competitive side.

With no injury or suspension concerns, Port Vale can focus on their tactical strengths rather than compensating for missing personnel. This could also provide a psychological edge over Fleetwood, who may have their own selection dilemmas.

The betting markets may take note of Port Vale’s full strength, potentially favouring them in the odds given their uninterrupted squad depth. This might influence punters seeking stability in team performance, especially in a knockout format where unpredictability is a factor.

Port Vale – Key Players

Port Vale will be relying on their top scorer, Devante Cole, who has netted two goals this season, to spearhead their attack against Fleetwood. Cole’s sharp finishing and ability to find space in the opposition defence make him a constant threat in the final third. His knack for being in the right place at the right time could prove decisive in this FA Cup clash.

In midfield, the team’s playmaker is crucial in orchestrating Port Vale’s attacking moves. His vision and passing accuracy enable the team to transition smoothly from defence to attack, creating goal-scoring opportunities for Cole and others. The balance and control provided by the midfield will be key to maintaining possession and dictating the tempo.

Defensively, the centre-backs are vital in ensuring solidity at the back. Their ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions will be essential in thwarting Fleetwood’s attacking threats. A disciplined defensive performance will be necessary for Port Vale to secure a positive result.

Port Vale’s tactical approach will depend heavily on these key players performing at their best. With a strong focus on maintaining a solid defensive structure while exploiting quick transitions through midfield, Port Vale aim to leverage their strengths to overcome Fleetwood.

Port Vale – Tactics & Formation

Port Vale Tactical Breakdown:

• Previous Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forwards: Jayden Stockley, Devante Cole
• Midfield Hub: Ryan Croasdale, George Byers
• Defensive Record: One clean sheet in recent performances
• Notable Strategy: Strong home form with effective pressing.

Port Vale’s recent use of a 3-5-2 formation highlights their focus on midfield dominance and attacking flexibility. With Ryan Croasdale and George Byers pivotal in midfield, they ensure control and transition between defence and attack. The wing-backs, Mitchell Clark and Marvin Johnson, provide width and support in both defensive and attacking phases.

Defensively, Port Vale have shown resilience, especially at Vale Park, where they have maintained a winning streak. The back three, including Ben Heneghan and Cameron Humphreys, offers solidity, though they have only managed one clean sheet in recent fixtures.

Offensively, the forward duo of Jayden Stockley and Devante Cole is crucial, with Cole as the top scorer. Their pressing game and ability to exploit spaces have been key, particularly in their recent 5-1 win over Blackpool, demonstrating their potential to score heavily at home.

Fleetwood – Analysis & Recent Performance

Fleetwood’s recent form has been mixed as they head into this fixture. In their last five matches, Fleetwood have recorded two wins, two defeats, and one draw. Their victories against Gillingham (2-1) and Newport (2-0) highlighted their attacking potential, led by Ethan Ennis, who is currently their top scorer with two goals.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Fleetwood	Grimsby	0 – 1 (Loss)	League Two	1 Jan 2026
Salford City	Fleetwood	0 – 0 (Draw)	League Two	29 Dec 2025
Tranmere	Fleetwood	1 – 0 (Loss)	League Two	26 Dec 2025
Fleetwood	Gillingham	2 – 1 (Win)	League Two	20 Dec 2025
Newport	Fleetwood	0 – 2 (Win)	League Two	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LDLWW

Fleetwood’s attack has been relatively modest, averaging just 0.80 goals per game over their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have been reasonably solid, conceding an average of 0.60 goals per match and keeping two clean sheets. However, the team has struggled away from home, with only two wins from their last five away games, indicating a need for improvement on the road.

Fleetwood – Suspensions & Injuries

Fleetwood enter this FA Cup clash against Port Vale with a clean bill of health. There are no reported injuries or suspensions, allowing manager Peter Wild to field his strongest side. This full availability is a significant advantage, offering tactical flexibility and the opportunity to deploy his preferred starting line-up.

The absence of injuries means Fleetwood can maintain their usual formation and playing style. With key players such as Jay Lynch, Tobias Mullarkey, and Ched Evans all fit and available, the team can execute their game plan without enforced changes. This continuity is crucial for maintaining team chemistry and performance levels.

Fleetwood’s squad depth could provide an edge in a cup match where strategic substitutions often play a pivotal role. The ability to call upon a full roster allows for dynamic in-game adjustments, ensuring the team can adapt to various scenarios as the match unfolds.

From a betting perspective, the absence of injuries or suspensions may position Fleetwood as a more stable choice. Their full-strength squad could enhance their chances of progressing further in the competition, making them an attractive option for punters seeking consistency in team selection and performance.

Fleetwood – Key Players

Fleetwood’s main attacking threat is Ethan Ennis, who has scored two goals this season. Ennis’s ability to find space and convert chances makes him a pivotal figure in Fleetwood’s attack. His sharp movement and clinical finishing will be crucial against Port Vale’s defence, and he is expected to lead the line with confidence.

In midfield, the creative spark is expected from the central midfielders, who must control the tempo and supply the forwards with quality service. The midfield’s ability to retain possession and distribute effectively could be key to unlocking Port Vale’s defence.

Defensively, Fleetwood will rely on their robust centre-back partnership to maintain solidity at the back. Their ability to clear aerial threats and organise the defensive line will be critical in keeping Port Vale at bay. This defensive resilience, combined with a well-organised midfield, could dictate Fleetwood’s tactical approach, aiming for a balanced performance that leverages both offensive and defensive strengths.

Fleetwood – Tactics & Formation

Fleetwood Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Ched Evans
• Midfield Core: Harrison Neal, Matthew Virtue
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and crossing.

Fleetwood typically employ a 4-4-2 formation, which allows them to maintain a solid structure without compromising attacking intent. Harrison Neal and Matthew Virtue are pivotal in midfield, tasked with breaking up play and providing forward momentum. This formation offers balance, enabling Fleetwood to adapt both defensively and offensively as needed.

Defensively, Fleetwood have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding goals in recent matches, which may prompt adjustments from coach Peter Wild. The backline, featuring Mullarkey, Potter, and Hughes, needs to tighten up, particularly against Port Vale’s attacking threats.

Offensively, Fleetwood’s strategy leverages the physical presence of Ched Evans and the pace of Ryan Graydon. They often focus on wide play, utilising the flanks to deliver crosses into the box, aiming to capitalise on Evans’ aerial prowess. While effective, this approach can leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks if possession is lost high up the pitch.

Port Vale vs Fleetwood – Head-to-Head Record

Port Vale and Fleetwood have an even head-to-head record, with both teams winning six times and drawing six in their 17 encounters. Their last meeting was a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Fleetwood prevailing on penalties in the EFL Trophy Northern Group G. This demonstrates how closely matched these sides usually are.

The last time Port Vale hosted Fleetwood, they secured a 3-1 victory in League Two back in October 2024, suggesting that Vale Park could be a fortress for the home side in this FA Cup clash. Historically, both teams have been competitive, and with the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup, this match could go either way.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Port Vale	Fleetwood Town	3 – 3 (Penalties: 2 – 4)	EFL Trophy Northern Group G	2025-11-11
Fleetwood Town	Port Vale	1 – 1	League Two	2025-03-08
Port Vale	Fleetwood Town	3 – 1	League Two	2024-10-19
Port Vale	Fleetwood Town	2 – 2	League One	2024-02-27
Fleetwood Town	Port Vale	3 – 0	League One	2024-02-03