In this betting preview, we look at the League Two fixture Northampton vs Port Vale. Who will make a winning start?
Northampton vs Port Vale: Our predictions
This section provides the best predictions for the game along with free betting tips.
Prediction 1
- Market: Match Result
- Our tip: Northampton
- Odds: 23/20
Prediction 2
- Market: To keep a clean sheet
- Our tip: Northampton
- Odds: 13/8
Prediction 3
- Market: Correct score
- Our tip: Northampton 1-0
- Odds: 6/1
The odds are true at the time of writing and subject to change. Check Carefully before finalizing your wager with the bookmaker. Odds provided by WilliamHill, our recommended bookmaker for the big game.
Contents
Match Result: Northampton
Let's be honest; neither Northampton or Port Vale ended the season well and not have they recorded results to raise eyebrows in pre-season. Northampton have won just one of six pre-season games whilst Port Vale have won three of seven. Of course, you have to factor in the strength of opposition and the fact it is only pre-season. With all things considered, we think Northampton edge this match. They've got home advantage and their best performances in pre-season came against the better teams they faced.
To keep a clean sheet: Northampton
Our first prediction has touched on the poor form shown by Port Vale in pre-season. Well, a big part of that problem is a lack of goals. They've blanked three times in their friendlies and their own real game of goal scoring prowess came against Newcastle Town; you can't read too much into that. Northampton meanwhile ended their warm up games with a goalless draw against a Cambridge side that top scored in League Two last year. On top of that, a look to the League One standings from last season will show that Northampton has a decent enough rearguard; they got relegated through their own lack of goals.
Correct score: Northampton to win 1-0
The last of our tips is for Northampton to win 1-0. Correct score predictions are ambitious but offer big odds if you nail them. The reason we're opting for a 1-0 score line is quite simple; we've already outlined that Port Vale struggle for goals whilst Northampton are pretty solid at the back. Then you have the Northampton attack to worry about; across last season they averaged just 0.9 goals per game. Yes, that was in a division higher but even in pre-season they've only netted six in six games. It's hard to see them knocking the goals in for fun come Saturday.
Northampton vs Port Vale: Meet the teams
Northampton
Northampton obviously had an awful year last season with relegation never nice to experience. You could argue that the hangover has carried into pre-season with losses to Stamford and Rushden and Diamonds particularly noteworthy. The Cobblers fan base would soon highlight strong displays against teams from higher up the pyramid though so there are positives to draw from. They'll be hoping new signing Nicke Kabamba can fire in some much needed goals.
Port Vale
Port Vale aren't in the best of form having lost six of their past 10 matches; an away trip to a recently relegated side who are tipped to be amongst the contenders. If they're to get a result then a good defensive display is a must; that means they could do with a good performance from Aaron Martin at the heart of the defence.
Northampton vs Port Vale: The latest stats & odds
Here are the top stats for the game along with a tool to help you pick the best odds.
Pre-game questions on Northampton vs Port Vale
What time is kick off?
3 PM GMT
Who are the bookmakers favourites?
Northampton
Where is the game being played?
Sixfields