Port Vale v Bristol Rovers: How to watch, team news, head-to-head record and more

Bristol Rovers make the trip to Staffordshire to face League Two promotion rivals Port Vale at Vale Park.

Both sides claimed a win on Good Friday with Rovers narrowly beating Salford City 1-0 whilst the Valiants won 1-0 at Hartlepool United, courtesy of a Connor Hall goal.

Vale are in third and occupy the last automatic promotion spot, holding a five point gap over Northampton in fourth and Rovers in fifth.

A win for the Gas would bring them to within two points of Vale whilst potentially overtaking the Cobblers in fourth. Should Vale win and Exeter drop points, they could shoot up to second.

When does the match start?

The game will kick-off at 15:00 on Easter Monday at Vale Park, which could be their biggest crowd in five years.

What’s the latest team news for Bristol Rovers?

There is one key doubt for Rovers and that is Leon Clarke. The 37-year-old, who has been plagued by injury this season, was due to start against Salford, but was a late withdrawal.

He was replaced by Sam Nicholson whilst Ryan Loft, who was initially outside of the squad, was a late inclusion.

Antony Evans came on for the first time in three games and made an impact which could push him for a start. Luke Thomas also made an influence off the bench and may also be in contention.

What’s the latest team news for Port Vale?

Right wing-back Dave Worrall is in contention to return after receiving an injection after initial fears of a serious injury. His opposite number James Gibbons may also play a part, he suffered an ankle ligament injury but the club are hoping he returns. There is high competition for places with Chris Hussey back for them whilst Dan Jones was also on the bench, making for competition in the full-back areas.

They have two top scorers this season with Ben Garrity and Jamie Proctor both on 11 goals, though Proctor has also got four assists this year. Tom Conlon has created the most goals for Vale with five assists in this current campaign.

Form guide and head-to-head

Port Vale are a side in form and have won their last five matches whilst they have only suffered one defeat in their last 15 matches, which was to Colchester United.

In terms of head-to-head record, Vale have the upper hand with 28 wins to Rovers’ 22 whilst there have been 22 draws. The last meeting between the two was in December in which Vale won 2-1 after both Sam Finley and Cian Harries.

Garrity scored a two-minute brace after the half hour as Darrell Clarke made a happy return to the Mem, despite Aaron Collins’ best effort to mount a comeback.

Bar the loss to Vale, Rovers have won three of their last five matches against Vale. You have to go back to March 1992 though for the last time Rovers won at the home of Port Vale.

Referee

Craig Hicks has been appointed as the referee and he will be assisted by Joe Clark and Andrew Hendley with Anthony Moore the fourth official.

Hicks was the referee of the reverse fixture in which he showed two yellow cards, whilst sending off Finley and Harries. He has overseen 33 games this season and has shown six red cards.

How to watch the match

For those not making the trip, fans can watch the match on iFollow, which is available for £9.99.

You can watch the highlights on the EFL on Quest which airs on Quest TV and Discovery+ at 21.00 GMT.

Highlights will also be made available on each club’s YouTube channel as well.