Wanderers’ focus returns to league action this weekend as they welcome mid-table Port Vale to the UniBol.

The Whites will be aiming to build on Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory at Accrington in the Papa Johns Trophy semi-final.

Ian Evatt’s men currently sit fourth in the League One table – just a point behind third-place Ipswich at this stage.

Team news

Kyle Dempsey and Cameron Jerome are both back in contention after missing the trip to Accrington through injury.

Shola Shoretire, Victor Adeboyejo and Dan Nlundulu were all cup-tied in midweek, having played in the competition for other clubs this season.

George Johnston is back running as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury suffered against Charlton last month.

George Thomason is also back in the first-team picture, while Jack Iredale and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson are long-term absentees.

Opposition lowdown

The Valiants have won just one of their last nine league matches as they aim to build on last season’s promotion via the play-offs.

Darrell Clarke’s side currently sit 12th in the table, although they have played at least one more game than the sides around them.

They suffered a 1-0 defeat at Morecambe in midweek, with Adam Mayor getting the decisive goal early in the second half.

Head-to-head

Wanderers have faced Port Vale 40 times in their history, with a record of 26 wins, 11 draws and three defeats.

The points were shared when the sides met back in August following a goalless draw at Vale Park, with skipper Ricardo Santos sent off during the first half.

The Whites’ last win in the fixture came in the Papa Johns Trophy back in August 2021, with Eoin Doyle, Nathan Delfouneso and Dapo Afolayan all on target that day.

Their last league victory against the Valiants came in March 2021, with Gethin Jones scoring his first goal for the club.

Predicted line-up

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