Port Vale v Bournemouth preview

Vale look to pile more misery on hapless Cherries

Last updated: 29th August 2008

Lee Sinnott March 2008

Sinnott: Steady start

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Port Vale play host to Bournemouth on Saturday with both sides looking to get in to the winning habit.

Vale have made an steady yet unspectacular start to life in League Two, proving too inconsistent to be among the early frontrunners.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, appear doomed as they have taken just two points from three games and remain marooned on -15 points.

Taiwo in contention

Chelsea youngster Tom Taiwo should be added to the Port Vale squad for the visit of the Cherries.

The versatile midfielder has joined the Valiants on an initial one-month loan deal.

Paul Edwards is yet to recover from a long-term ankle injury and remains sidelined.

Striker Steve Edwards also misses out with a hamstring strain while midfielder Shane Tudor is sidelined with a knee problem.

Valiants boss Lee Sinnott will be looking for a marked improvement in his side's performance after their previous game ended in a 1-1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge.

Duo missing

Bournemouth boss Kevin Bond is likely to be missing defenders Joel Ward and Scott Guyett for the trip to Vale Park.

Ward has been nursing an ear infection since recovering from a groin strain and Guyett is missing through injury having been substituted last week in the 1-0 home defeat to Exeter.

Shwan Jalal and Ryan Garry did not feature in that game but both men came through training this week and are in contention for a recall.

Bond said: "Joel's ear infection has been affecting his balance. He's recovered from the groin problem so it's just a case of clearing up the ear-drum."

Striker Jo Kuffour has completed his move to Bristol Rovers.