Crewe Alexandra will travel to Port Vale on Saturday 12.30pm looking to maintain their perfect start to the League Two season. The Alex have won both opening league games, beating Crawley Town and Northampton Town 1-0 each.
Port Vale have taken one point from their first two matches. They lost 2-0 at Oldham Athletic before drawing 1-1 with Tranmere Rovers at Vale Park.
Port Vale's Rebuild
Port Vale returned to League Two this season after suffering relegation from the third tier. They had won promotion from League Two in 2025, finishing second behind Doncaster Rovers, but their return to League One proved difficult.
Jon Brady was appointed Port Vale manager in January 2026. The Australian led Northampton Town to promotion to League One in 2022/23 before leaving the club in December 2024 and returning to management with Vale.
Manager Preview
Brady said: "We need to stamp our authority on the game and make sure we are dominating. They are a possession-based side, and have a good identity. Lee (Bell) has done brilliant in his time there, but we are Port Vale and we want to create our own identity and put our stamp on the game."
Crewe manager Lee Bell said: "We'll have the players right, don't worry. They'll know what the fixture's about and what to expect going to Vale Park. I'm sure it'll be a packed house and plenty of noise. Our players will know what it means - it does mean a little bit more. It is a derby, what anyone says."
Head-to-Head Record
Crewe and Port Vale have met 85 times in all competitions. Port Vale have won 41 meetings, Crewe have won 20, with 24 ending in draws. The most recent meeting at Vale Park ended 1-1 in November 2024.
Match Officials
Ben Toner will referee the match, assisted by Lewis Raper and Matthew Parry. Jamie O'Connor is fourth official.
