Port Vale v Crewe Alexandra: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Port Vale's title credentials will be put to the test on Monday night as the League Two leaders face high-flying rivals Crewe Alexandra at Vale Park.

Going into the weekend's fixtures, Crewe were second in the table, five points behind the Valiants with a game in hand, but results elsewhere mean they will start the game in fifth place.

Port Vale v Crewe Alexandra betting tips and predictions

Port Vale to win - 4/5

While there is little love lost already between Vale and the Alex, what adds even more spice to Monday's clash is the fact that these two fierce rivals are both battling for promotion - with the Railwaymen looking to close the five-point gap to the leaders, who have played a game more.

Darren Moore has quickly adapted the Valiants to the task at hand following their relegation from League One last season, and after losing two of their opening four games, Vale have lost only one of their next 12 in the league to rise to the summit.

A five-game winning streak was ended by a 3-1 home defeat to Barnsley in the FA Cup and maybe there was something of a hangover from that reverse when they followed up with a 1-0 loss at Gillingham.

However, they have bounced back well with a penalty shootout win over League One Wrexham in the EFL Trophy, while they got their title push back on track with a 1-0 win at Morecambe last time out.

While they have picked up more points on the road so far, it is worth noting that Vale have lost only once at Vale Park in the league and they look worthy favourites to win on Monday.

Crewe have made a strong start to the campaign themselves, but their better form has come at the Mornflake Stadium and, although their away form is decent, they have won only three of seven on the road.

What is perhaps more worrying for the Alex is their dismal recent record in this fixture, having lost four of their last five games, losing the other on penalties in the League Cup last season, while they are winless in seven.

Crewe will certainly make a game of it as they are in good form going into the contest, unbeaten in seven games in League Two with four wins and three draws, while they have drawn at fellow promotion hopefuls Walsall and beaten Notts County at home in their last two matches.

However, Vale have had the edge over the Railwaymen for some time now and should make home advantage count in Monday's latest grudge match.

Under 1.5 goals - 2/1

With plenty at stake in what is already a grudge match, it is very easy to see a cagey contest between these two sides and one where goals might be too forthcoming.

Crewe have the best defensive record in the division, goals have been in short supply when the Alex have been on the road and five of Vale's last seven games in the league have featured no more than one.

The Valiants have also won four of the last five games against Crewe by a 1-0 scoreline - the other finished goalless - and, while that is a tempting correct score bet at 5/1, taking under 1.5 goals at 2/1 comes with a safety net and is one to consider.

Jayden Stockley to be booked - 10/3

It goes without saying that derby clashes can get heated and that goes for this rivalry too with 14 yellow cards and one red dished out in the last two meetings between these two sides.

In a game which is expected to be tense and cagey, frustrations could boil over, particularly for forward players when chances could be few and far between.

In that regard, Jayden Stockley looks good value at 10/3 to fall foul of the referee, having done so four times already in the league - three of those coming in the last six games - to lead the yellow card charts for the Valiants.

Against the best defence in the league, he might find it tough going and push things a little too far once again.

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Port Vale v Crewe Alexandra odds

Port Vale - 4/5
Draw - 9/4
Crewe Alexandra - 15/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.