- Port Vale have won one, drawn one and lost three of their last five fixtures.
- Wolverhampton have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five.
- Port Vale are 2-0-4 on the road across all competitions, conceding ten goals.
Tight cup tie expected at Molineux
Wolves are the strong favourites here at 17/50 against Port Vale's 69/10, with the draw priced at 41/10, but we think this fixture could be a bit closer than the bookies are implying. The best angle at Molineux might be to go under 2.5 goals at 27/20, as opposed to the 57/100 favourite for over 2.5, with the BTTS market coming in at 17/20 for Yes and 9/10 for No.
This will be a clash of styles as Cesar Peixoto's Wolves look to be a well-structured 4-2-3-1 side with high counter-pressing and fast vertical breaks, whereas Jon Brady has Port Vale set up in a compact, pragmatic block that is built upon organisation, set pieces and selective counters. The cup-ping spice could be a factor on Friday as this will be the first League Cup meeting between the clubs since 1984.
Wolves’ recent form better than Vale’s
Recent form sides with Wolves as they have two wins, two draws and one defeat in their last five across all competitions, but their victories came on the away at Maidenhead United and Doncaster Rovers, so this cup test could be a sterner test. At home, Wolves have drawn two and lost two of their last four, averaging 0.75 goals per-game scored and 1.25 conceded, so the Molineux stronghold is not quite as formidable as it once was.
Valiants' recent performances have been mixed, at best, with three defeats in their last five and only one win in their last five. The goals have been especially hard to come by with the strikeforce not quite clicking, but the visitors have plenty of experience at this level and could fancy their chances of nicking something against Wolves.
Mane is Wolves’ key player
Mateus Mane has provided the spark for Wolves in the final third, scoring two of their six goals in the last five games, while Ethon Archer has been the most clinical outlet for Port Vale, scoring two of their four goals across the same period. Wolves should win this match, but the odds suggest that it might be closer than expected with Port Vale looking to keep things compact.
Across all competitions, Port Vale have won three, drawn two and lost five of their last ten, which makes them a team capable of nicking results, but one that also leaks too many goals.
