Port Vale have boosted their top seven aspirations by securing two wins from their previous three league games, which all came against top eight opposition. Darrell Clarke found a formula to defeat the division's stand-out side in Forest Green, so facing high-flying Harrogate will not faze the former Bristol Rovers boss. The visitors, of course, carry a threat, though, as League Two's only remaining unbeaten side, with Hartlepool recruit Luke Armstrong already on five goals for the season. Armstrong has been able to provide much of what Aaron Martin could for the Sulphurites last season in terms of work rate, physicality and running power, whilst being more clinical. Then again, if Vale operate with a back-three as they have in every game thus far, then clear-cut chances could be harder to come by for Armstrong and the game could be more about whether Harrogate can threaten goal from other areas. 1:0
Devante Rodney has been given a three-match ban for violent conduct. Veteran centre-back Leon Legge will be out for another two months, so Nathan Smith could start in the middle of the back-three. Highly-rated right-back James Gibbons, back from injuries, is edging back into contention. Brad Walker is a doubt, so Tom Conlon, Tom Pett and Ben Garrity could be Vale's midfield trio. Simon Weaver could name an XI unchanged from the one that drew with Newport. By being strong from set pieces, combined with the dynamic creativity of Alex Pattison and the sparkling wide play of returning Sunderland loanee Jack Diamond, Harrogate can create chances without needing their full-backs - Warren Burrell or Lewis Page - to be heavily involved in the final third.
Devante Rodney has been given a three-match ban for violent conduct. Veteran centre-back Leon Legge will be out for another two months, so Nathan Smith could start in the middle of the back-three. Highly-rated right-back James Gibbons, back from injuries, is edging back into contention. Brad Walker is a doubt, so Tom Conlon, Tom Pett and Ben Garrity could be Vale's midfield trio. Simon Weaver could name an XI unchanged from the one that drew with Newport. By being strong from set pieces, combined with the dynamic creativity of Alex Pattison and the sparkling wide play of returning Sunderland loanee Jack Diamond, Harrogate can create chances without needing their full-backs - Warren Burrell or Lewis Page - to be heavily involved in the final third.
Port Vale have boosted their top seven aspirations by securing two wins from their previous three league games, which all came against top eight opposition. Darrell Clarke found a formula to defeat the division's stand-out side in Forest Green, so facing high-flying Harrogate will not faze the former Bristol Rovers boss. The visitors, of course, carry a threat, though, as League Two's only remaining unbeaten side, with Hartlepool recruit Luke Armstrong already on five goals for the season. Armstrong has been able to provide much of what Aaron Martin could for the Sulphurites last season in terms of work rate, physicality and running power, whilst being more clinical. Then again, if Vale operate with a back-three as they have in every game thus far, then clear-cut chances could be harder to come by for Armstrong and the game could be more about whether Harrogate can threaten goal from other areas. 1:0
Harrogate Town 
Harrogate Town 
Port Vale VS Harrogate Town 