Port Vale vs. Maldon & Tiptree Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 2 November 2025

The FA Cup is back with Port Vale set to host Maldon & Tiptree at Vale Park on 2 November 2025 at 15:00. This first-round encounter promises an intriguing clash of footballing tiers, with Port Vale playing two divisions above their Isthmian League North Division opponents.
Port Vale, the bookmakers’ favourite with odds at 1.15, bring greater depth, tactical discipline, and professional experience to the table. Despite mixed recent form (DWDLL), they have managed two clean sheets in their last five games.
On the other hand, Maldon & Tiptree, despite being underdogs with odds at 14.43, come into this match on a high, holding a recent record of WLWWW, and netting an impressive average of 1.80 goals per game in their last five outings.
Expect an attacking game with both teams eager to score. Our recommended bet is for Port Vale to win with over 2.5 goals.
This match is significant as it contributes to the larger narrative of the FA Cup, where dreams of giant-killing moments thrive.

Port Vale vs Maldon & Tiptree Prediction & Betting Tip

Backing Port Vale to win and over 2.5 goals is a solid tip given the following factors:

• Port Vale’s squad depth and professional experience give them a significant edge over Maldon & Tiptree, who play in a lower division.
• Despite mixed recent results, Port Vale’s capability to manage games, evidenced by their 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley, shows they can handle lower-league opposition effectively.
• Maldon & Tiptree, while spirited underdogs, lack experience playing against teams of Port Vale’s calibre, often leading to high-scoring matches in such FA Cup ties.

Given these elements, our recommended wager offers value and fits the expected match dynamics well.

Port Vale vs Maldon & Tiptree Odds

Saturday’s FA Cup clash between Port Vale and Maldon & Tiptree is strongly inclined in favour of the home side according to the bookmakers. Port Vale, playing two divisions higher, are clear favourites.
Here’s a breakdown of the odds:

Given the odds, a bet on Port Vale seems the safer option.
The draw, while unlikely, offers high returns for those willing to take a risk, and betting on Maldon & Tiptree would be for those looking for a significant gamble.
These odds reflect the gulf in leagues and experience between the teams, with Port Vale’s greater squad depth making them strong favourites.

Port Vale Team Analysis

Port Vale Recent Performance: DWDLL

Port Vale’s recent run of form has been a mixed bag, as showcased by their last five results: a draw against AFC Wimbledon (1-1), a win over Accrington (2-0), and two losses to Stockport County (0-3) and Wigan (0-1), followed by a draw with Northampton (0-0).
Despite this inconsistency, Port Vale have kept 2 clean sheets in their last five games, demonstrating a solid defensive effort at times. However, scoring has been an issue, averaging just 0.60 goals per game during this period. Their ability to manage lower-league opposition was highlighted by their win against Accrington Stanley, which was a crucial morale booster.
Playing at home in Vale Park, they’re expected to capitalize on their familiarity with the ground and their overall squad depth against Maldon & Tiptree.

Port Vale Key Players

Port Vale will be looking to their key players to step up in this FA Cup tie against Maldon & Tiptree. With a squad that boasts considerable depth and experience, several players stand out.
Goalkeeper Joe Gauci has been crucial in keeping 2 clean sheets in their last five games. His shot-stopping abilities provide a solid foundation for the team’s overall defensive strategy. In defence, Cameron Humphreys and Jesse Debrah are expected to anchor the backline, using their physical presence and tactical awareness to stifle Maldon & Tiptree’s attacking threats.
Midfielders George Byers and Ben Garrity are likely to play pivotal roles in controlling the tempo of the game and linking up with the forwards. Garrity’s vision and passing accuracy will be essential in breaking down the opposition’s defence.
Upfront, Devante Cole and Ruari Paton will lead the attack. Cole’s pace and finishing skills make him a constant threat.
Expected lineup for Port Vale:

• Goalkeeper: Joe Gauci
• Defenders: Kyle John, Cameron Humphreys, Jesse Debrah, Connor Hall, Marvin Johnson
• Midfielders: George Byers, Ryan Croasdale, Ben Garrity
• Forwards: Devante Cole, Ruari Paton

Port Vale Suspensions & Injuries

As of now, Port Vale do not have any key suspensions or injuries affecting their squad, leaving manager Andy Crosby with a full roster to choose from. This is an advantageous position, allowing the team to field their strongest possible lineup for the FA Cup clash against Maldon & Tiptree.
With the entire squad fit and available, Port Vale will be able to utilise their depth and versatility, ensuring they have the best personnel in each position. This clean bill of health could be a significant factor in their ability to dominate the match and progress comfortably to the next round of the FA Cup.
Having all players available ensures their tactical plans remain flexible, giving them a vital edge both in terms of starting XI strength and bench options.

Port Vale Tactics and Formation

Port Vale Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forwards: Devante Cole, Ruari Paton
• Midfield Quartet: George Byers, Ryan Croasdale, Ben Garrity, Marvin Johnson
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Controlling the midfield to dictate the game’s tempo

Port Vale typically deploy a 3-4-3 formation, allowing them to balance defensive robustness with attacking intent. Key to their midfield strategy is the presence of George Byers and Ben Garrity, who are pivotal in transitioning the ball from defence to attack. The wing-backs, like Marvin Johnson, provide width and support to the forwards.
In attack, Devante Cole’s pace is a significant threat, with Ruari Paton joining him to exploit gaps in Maldon & Tiptree’s defence. Defensively, the team focuses on trapping opposition attackers through a well-organized backline and effective pressing in the midfield to regain possession quickly.

Maldon & Tiptree Team Analysis

Maldon & Tiptree Recent Performance: WLWWW

Maldon & Tiptree enter this FA Cup clash in a rich vein of form, with their latest five fixtures yielding four wins and one loss. They’ve showcased their scoring prowess by averaging 1.80 goals per game over this span, reflecting a potent attacking unit. Their recent results include hard-fought victories over Flackwell Heath (1-0), Waltham Abbey (4-2), Stanway Rovers (2-0), and Canvey (2-0), although they did suffer a 0-1 defeat to AFC Dunstable in the FA Trophy Qualification.
Defensively, Maldon & Tiptree have maintained three clean sheets in their last five outings, underlining their capability to protect their goal effectively. However, facing a professional outfit like Port Vale will be a significant test of their defensive organization and resilience.
Given their spirited recent performances and ability to both score and defend resolutely, Maldon & Tiptree will look to leverage their form to create an upset in this first-round FA Cup tie.

Maldon & Tiptree Key Players

Maldon & Tiptree will be relying on several key players to shine in their difficult FA Cup clash against Port Vale. Despite limited information on their squad, their recent performances highlight a few standout contributors.
In attack, their forward line has been effective, averaging 1.80 goals per game in their last five matches. Expect their leading scorers to aim for exploiting any defensive lapses from Port Vale. Defensively, keeping three clean sheets in the same period illustrates a solid backline capable of withstanding pressure.
Given their clean sheets and scoring record, Maldon & Tiptree will depend heavily on their top attackers to create and convert chances, while their defenders will have to be at their best against Port Vale’s experienced forwards.
Expected lineup for Maldon & Tiptree:

• Goalkeeper: No data available
• Defenders: No data available
• Midfielders: No data available
• Forwards: No data available

Maldon & Tiptree Suspensions & Injuries

Currently, there are no reported suspensions or injuries affecting Maldon & Tiptree ahead of their FA Cup match against Port Vale. This is an advantageous situation for them, as having a full squad available will be crucial in their quest to cause an upset.
With all players fit and ready, Maldon & Tiptree can field their strongest lineup and maintain tactical flexibility. This clean bill of health allows their coaching staff to make strategic decisions without the restrictions posed by absent key players.
Having the full complement available should help boost team morale and performance, giving them the best possible chance to compete against the more experienced Port Vale squad.

Maldon & Tiptree Tactics and Formation

Maldon & Tiptree Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forwards: To be determined
• Midfield Quartet: To be determined
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Quick counter-attacks and solid defensive blocks

Maldon & Tiptree typically favour a 4-4-2 formation, which enables them to maintain a strong defensive shape while providing width through the midfield. Their recent performances highlight their ability to defend resolutely, as seen with three clean sheets in their last five outings.
In attack, Maldon & Tiptree are effective on the counter, using the pace and directness of their forwards to exploit spaces left by the opposition. Their compact defensive formation benefits from disciplined midfielders who assist in breaking up opposition play, while the backline remains organized and hard to penetrate.
Facing a higher-division team like Port Vale will demand that Maldon & Tiptree remain compact and opportunistic, potentially putting their counter-attacking strategy to the test.

Port Vale vs Maldon & Tiptree Head-to-Head Statistics

Port Vale and Maldon & Tiptree have not faced each other in any previous competitions, making this FA Cup first-round match an intriguing fresh encounter.
With Port Vale competing in League One and Maldon & Tiptree hailing from the Isthmian League North Division, there is a notable gap in terms of league levels and experience between the two sides. This disparity will likely influence their inaugural clash significantly.
Port Vale’s familiarity with higher-level opposition should provide them with a considerable advantage, while Maldon & Tiptree will hope to leverage their winning momentum and attacking prowess to stage a memorable cup upset.
This head-to-head debut adds an element of unpredictability, with both teams eager to prove their mettle in the FA Cup.

Odds accurate as of 01.11.2025 15:07, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.