Port Vale v Oxford: Pope to send Vale on their way

Tom Pope has been in prolific form for Port Vale this season

Oxford have recently halted a horrendous run in League Two, though a trip to Vale Park will probably prove a test too far...

Port Vale v Oxford, Monday 19:45, Sky Sports 1, Match Odds: Port Vale 2.01/1, Oxford 4.03/1, The Draw 3.814/5

If Oxford had travelled to high flying Port Vale in the month of September, this match would have been about as foregone as conclusions get.

After starting brightly with three wins from their opening three games, the U's somehow conspired to lose their next six straight in League Two as August gave way to September.

Thankfully for Oxford fans and manager Chris Wilder, October has offered renewed hope as Alfie Potter's late strike against AFC Wimbledon finally earned them a rot-stopping win.

They followed up that result with an impressive point at home to league leaders Gillingham and a second round victory in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy away at Cheltenham.

Wilder has cited a new-found togetherness as the catalyst for their recent upturn in results but this team spirit may not be enough to get anything at Vale Park.

Oxford have not travelled well as four losses from five away games in the league shows.

Port Vale have only lost twice in 11 games and currently sit second in the table with seven wins, the last of which coming against fourth placed Exeter last weekend.

Vale saw off Oxford 3-0 in this fixture last season and will be expecting to gather all three points in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Over 3.5 goals

Three of Oxford's last four games have gone over the 3.5 goals mark and, as referenced above, lost 3-0 here last season.

Port Vale are comfortably the most free-scoring side in the division this season too, notching three goals or more on five occasions.

Adams' men have only failed to score twice in fourteen games in all competitions this season.

First Goalscorer

Tom Pope is proving to be a top marksman at this level and has started the season in absolutely prolific fashion, notching twelve already this campaign. Pope has three in his last two games, including a brace last time out in League Two against Exeter.

Best Bet: Back over 3.5 goals @ 2.9215/8
Other Recommended Bet: Back Tom Pope to score first @ 5.79/2