The FA Cup first round proper comes at a nice time for Port Vale as they have just started to wake themselves up from a slump in League Two. They get a chance to take down some higher-tier opposition as they welcome Oxford to Vale Park on Friday night. With that having been said though, Vale have been pretty shocking on home soil this season and it would be a huge underdog story, bigger than the 2/1 odds on them to win this game if they were to pull out a victory. League One side Oxford are 13/10 to pick up the victor.
FA Cup – Vale Park, Stoke-on-Trent- Friday, 3rd November, 19:45
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Draw Best Odd of: 12/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Port Vale
Oxford UnitedPort Vale Form
Port Vale won only one of their opening twelve league games this season and they failed to score six of those games as well. But they have won three of their last four played and so have found a bit of form. The Valiants have just two home wins all season in a W2 D1 L6 record at Vale Park, and one of those wins was against Newcastle U21 in the Football League trophy. Vale have at least scored in five of their last six home fixture, but have only managed more than one goal twice at home this season. They are only averaging a goal per game this season.
Oxford Form
League One outfit Oxford are sat around midtable in the division and so are holding their own. But it’s been pretty average stuff from them and out on the road they have posted a W4 D1 L4 record in all competitions. Three of their losses were games in which they failed to score in as well. Oxford are actually winless in their last three games now (D2 L1) but they have not been a goal-shy side this season which should help them navigate the tricky waters at Vale Park.
Head to Head News
There Is recent head to head to look back at because these two were together in League One last season. From the two games there, Oxford took four points away from the fixtures, the game at Port Vale ending in a 2-2 draw. Oxford are winless in their last three trips to Port Vale now (D1 L2). Oxford have scored exactly two goals in each of their last three games against Port Vale though.
Top Betting Tips
If the Valiants had better home from behind them this season then they may have been worth a flutter. They have improved their output recently but were smashed at home on the weekend by Swindon in league action. Oxford, although the bulk of their scoring has happened at home, should have enough going forward to break the League Two side. Away win.