John McCombe will serve a ban when Port Vale host Burton, who expect to have Greg Pearson available.

McCombe suspended for Vale; Pearson expected to be fit

John McCombe will serve a one-match suspension when Port Vale host Burton, who expect to have Greg Pearson available after injury. The defender, who was sent off in the 1-1 draw against Northampton, was set to miss last weekend's clash against Chesterfield but his ban has now carried over as the encounter was postponed due to the wintry conditions. Striker Geoff Horsfield is sidelined once again and will be out for up to a month with a hamstring injury, while Ross Davidson has joined non-league neighbours Nantwich on a month's loan. On-loan forward Sean Rigg attempts to make his return from suspension this time around after last weekend's postponement and could be set for a prominent role. Louis Dodds (knee) was a doubt going into the Chesterfield game but he should now be fine. Vale have agreed personal terms with Lewis Haldane but the forward will not be available as he has not yet officially signed.

Burton team news

Leading scorer Pearson, who took his tally for the season to eight goals with a hat-trick against Aldershot last time out, is expected to be fit for Burton. The striker was a doubt for last weekend's postponed trip to Cheltenham with a hamstring injury. However, another forward, Steve Kabba, will not travel to Vale Park and will also miss Monday's home game against Notts County after sustaining a groin injury in training. Kabba, who has extended his loan spell from Brentford by a further month, is back at the League One club receiving treatment. Club captain Darren Stride was also a doubt against Cheltenham with a hamstring problem but Albion's longest-serving player could recover to retain his place in the centre of defence. If Stride does not make it then Guy Branston will come back into the side.