Grimsby Town will be the guests of Port Vale at Vale Park on Monday, knowing that they need a win to have a shot at getting into the top seven of the League Two table.

While the hosts are already sure of at least a playoff berth, the visitors, who have 66 points, are one place below the final playoff spot.

Match preview

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Port Vale, who suffered relegation from League One last season, are getting closer to securing an immediate return to the third tier.

Having amassed 76 points from 43 fixtures, the Valiants are a point above Doncaster Rovers in the race to finish top of the table.

Although they are primed for promotion, Darren Moore's team have had an inconsistent campaign, starting the season poorly before rising to the summit of the league, dropping to as low as eighth position and now back to the top of the standings.

The outcome of their last league outing - a 3-2 loss to relegation-threatened Carlisle United, which ended their four-game winning streak - exemplifies the topsy-turvy campaign they have had all season.

With Doncaster Rovers breathing down their neck, Moore will be hoping that his side can return to winning ways on Monday to maintain their place at the top of the standings.

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Elsewhere, Grimsby Town collected 10 points from their previous five games before gameweek 43 to stay in seventh position - the final promotion playoff spot.

However, they were dealt a blow last weekend when they suffered a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Swindon Town.

That result meant that ahead of this round of fixtures, the Mariners have surrendered the final promotion playoff spot to Colchester United, who are tied with the visitors on 66 points on goal difference.

David Artell and his men will hope to earn a positive result and move above their rivals for the final playoff spot, given that the U's have a tough assignment away to Doncaster Rovers in this round of fixtures.

Despite failing to win in their last two league outings, the away side can draw inspiration from their 3-0 triumph in the reverse fixture in December.

Team News

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Kyle John and Ben Heneghan are both unable to feature due to ongoing injury problems, while Tom Sang is also unlikely to be involved after missing out on the last match due to injury.

Lorent Tolaj is Port Vale's top scorer with 13 goals in 33 appearances, including five in his last four outings, and the striker is expected to partner Jayden Stockley in this one.

Although Grimsby were less than impressive in their last outing against Swindon Town, Artell could be tempted to keep the starting 11 from their previous outing.

However, Christian Gardner and Justin Obikwu are not expected to be involved, as they are confined to the treatment room.

Similarly, this fixture is coming too soon for the duo of Jayden Luker and Donovan Wilson, who are still recovering from injuries.

Port Vale possible starting lineup:
Amos; Debrah, Smith, Hall; Walters; Clarke, Garrity, Croasdale, Shorrock; Tolaj, Stockley

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Wright; McJannet, Tharme, Rodgers; McEachran, Hume, Greene, Khouri, Svanthorsson; Barrington, Rose

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We say: Port Vale 2-0 Grimsby Town

With both sides desperate for much-needed points, we can only envisage a fiercely contested match, but with Port Vale being the favourites and considering the quality within their ranks, we reckon the hosts will earn a 2-0 win.

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

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