"Big chance" for Derby County in League One clash vs Port Vale

Derby County's go searching for their fourth league win in a row tonight as they face Port Vale away from home.

The Rams come off the back of a 2-1 win against Bristol Rovers at the weekend in what was a closely fought battle. A late winner from in form Nathaniel Mendez-Laing helped Derby to three points putting them in the playoff places.

Paul Warne's side now sit in sixth, eight points behind league leaders Bolton Wanderers.

They make the trip to Port Vale tonight as they look to continue their good form and move further up the table.

The Rams' opponents

Port Vale had a hot start to the season, but since then, it has been frankly dreadful for the Valiants.

Manager Andy Crosby will find himself under a lot of pressure if they don't turn their form around. With his side winless in nine games, Crosby's side are one of the most out of sorts teams in League One and need to turn their form around fast.

They sit in 19th place just three points above the relegation zone.

Port Vale have conceded the fifth most goals in the league and have failed to score in five of their last seven games.

In comparison, the Rams have scored the sixth most goals in the league and have conceded just two goals in their last five games.

On paper at least, Paul Warne should be expecting nothing but a victory this evening.

Who to watch

Despite Port Vale's poor form, they have had players that have shown they can be dangerous. Most notably, midfielder Ben Garrity who has scored six goals so far this season.

He is Vale's highest rated player so far this season and could cause problems for an injury ridden Rams midfield who will likely start tonight without mainstay Korey Smith.

On Derby's side of the ball, it is difficult to look away from Nathaniel Mendez-Laing who has been superb over the past month.

The Guatemalan has scored in four of Derby's past five league games and has looked the most dangerous player in black and white recently.

With a poor defensive record, Port Vale will have to be at their best to stop the attacker from having a big impact again this evening.

Predictions

The Rams should by no means go into the game complacent, however everything suggests that it should be a comfortable victory for Paul Warne's side.

Port Vale will need to be at their best defensivley to cope with Derby going forward.

The one benefit for the Valiants is that the Rams' away form has fluctuated recently and so if the fans can cause some distractions then they could make Vale Park a tough day out for Derby.

Realistically, tonight is a big chance for the Rams to put some more pressure on the sides ahead of them in the table, something like a 2-0 or 3-0 scoreline could be very likely.