Preview: Port Vale vs Leeds United Under-21s – prediction, team news, lineups KIK BALL

Fighting for their chance at silverware, Port Vale are set to welcome Leeds United Under-21s to Vale Park for a Northern Group G clash in the EFL Trophy.

The Valiants are looking to bounce back from defeat last time out, while the Whites are hoping to build on their victory in midweek. 

Match preview

Darren Moore‘s Port Vale were promoted to League One after finishing second in the fourth tier last season, and it would be fair to say that they are still finding their footing at their new level.

On Saturday, the Valiants followed up their 1-0 EFL Cup win over Birmingham City by returning to schedule with yet another loss – a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Reading.

Blanking at the weekend left Moore’s side second from bottom in the table, but the manager will be thankful that there is plenty of time for a reversal of fortunes, given that their tally of two points has them just more two points from safety.

However, fans of the hosts will be nervous about this week’s cup clash given that they have not won on their own turf since April, drawing two and losing four of their six games in that stretch.

In 2024-25, Port Vale were thrashed 4-1 by Wrexham in the EFL Trophy’s round of 16, and the boss could see this clash as a chance to not only push for silverware but also a way to potentially kickstart their season.

Meanwhile, Scott Gardner‘s Leeds U21s have made a commendable start to the Premier League 2 season, winning two and losing one of their three matches so far.

Most recently, the Whites bounced back from a 3-2 loss against Ipswich Under-21s by beating Burnley Under-21s 2-1 on the road, thanks to an opener from Louie Dudley and a fortuitous own goal from Albert Blackie.

That victory has Gardner’s academy side eighth in the division, where their tally of six points has them three short of top-of-the-table Chelsea Under-21s.

The visitors may be young, and facing senior players is sure to be a tough test, but they will be cautiously optimistic considering that they have won four, drawn two and lost two of their eight most recent travelling games, as well as the fact that they have won the two away matches prior to this week’s cup action.

Leeds U21s may not have taken part in the EFL Trophy in 2024-25, but they did win the National League Cup, and the experience of lifting the trophy could serve them well. 

Port Vale form (all competitions):

Leeds United Under-21s form (all competitions):

Team News

Ben Henegham could captain Port Vale from centre-half on Tuesday, from alongside Jesse Debrah and Cameron Humphreys in a back three.

Just ahead of them, Ryan Croasdale should start next to Rhys Walters, and the duo are likely to be flanked by wing-backs Jordan Gabriel and Liam Gordon.

As for Leeds U21s, Joshua McDonald could start up top, while Rhys Chadwick-Chaplin and Oliver Pickles provide support from out wide.

Harry Gray may start in an attacking midfield position behind the striker, backed up by veteran Jonny Howson and Connor Douglas.

Port Vale possible starting lineup:

Gauci; Debrah, Heneghan, Humphreys; Lawrence-Gabriel, Croasdale, Walters, Gordon; Curtis, Faal, Headley

Leeds United Under-21s possible starting lineup:

Mahady; Dudley, Lienou, Cresswell, Enahoro-Marcus; Howson, Douglas; Chadiwck-Chaplin, Gray, Pickles; McDonald  

We say: Port Vale 2-1 Leeds United Under-21s

Port Vale have struggled in 2025-26 so far, and they will see this match as a good opportunity to reset with a cup win.

However, Leeds U21s have experience of what it takes to win a cup competition, and they could pose a threat on Tuesday.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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