Port Vale vs Carlisle preview
Friday 25 January 2019 11:27, UK
Striker Mark Harris could make his Port Vale debut in Saturday's League Two clash against Carlisle.
The 20-year-old has joined the Valiants on loan from Cardiff until the end of the season. James Gibbons comes back into contention after suspension, while Adam Crookes can return after being cup-tied for Tuesday's 3-0 EFL Trophy loss at Bristol Rovers.
Tom Conlon was sent off in the midweek cup loss, and while his red card is not likely to incur a league ban he could still be overlooked in selection.
Defender Macaulay Gillesphey will miss up to two months for Carlisle due to a knee injury requiring surgery. Gary Liddle is likely to be sidelined again due to a knee concern of his own.
Gary Miller could continue in defence in Liddle's absence. New Carlisle boss Steven Pressley has pledged to give fringe men like Mike Jones and George Glendon further chances to impress.
Opta stats
Port Vale have only won one of their last seven home Football League games against Carlisle (D1 L5), a 2-1 victory in March 2014 in League One.
Both teams have scored in each of the last four league meetings between Port Vale and Carlisle, with all finishing as 2-1 wins (twice for Port Vale, twice for Carlisle).
Port Vale, who beat Crawley Town 1-0 last time out, are looking to win back-to-back league matches for only the second time this season having last done so in September 2018.
Carlisle have picked up 21 points from their last 24 available in League Two (P8 W7 D0 L1), more than any other club in the competition has across their last eight games.
No side has conceded more goals from corners in League Two this season than Port Vale (nine - level with Notts County).
