League One Preview - Vs Port Vale: 25th Feb

Last updated : 24 February 2006 By Smallsy
As Brentford look to get back on the league one promotion trail, Martin Allen and his players look to get moving on up with three points against Port Vale, a side currently not going through thir best spell of the season. With the Bees two points of third place it is a chance to cement their position and make themselves an almost certainty for the playoffs and put them in with a shout for an automatic promotion in May.

Team News - Brentford
Eddie Hutchinson is back in the frame after recovering from a hamstring injury, but Saturday's game comes too soon for Oli Skulason (knee).

Team News - Port Vale
Vale have big problems at the back with both Mark McGregor and Craig James banned after getting booked last week.

Steve Rowland is out so George Abbey, Clayton Fortune and George Pilkington are the only fit first-team defenders.

Recent Form
Despite coming into the game of the back of the FA Cup defeat last week to Charlton, Brentford will still be in high spirits. Manager Martin Allen will no doubt have got his players up for their latest game and in the league their form has been excellent, especially at home recently with four games in a row won.

Port Vale have been enduring an up and down season. Their recent run of win, loss, win, loss has been very typical of their season. The 2-0 loss against Forest last weekend condemmed them to a mid table position which would have been the least any supporter expected this season.

Key Player - Brentford
Darren Pratley: After two excellent performances in the last two Griffin Park games it is important for Brentford's on loan midfielder to make sure he has a top game this weekend. Driving from midfield and helping protect his back four Pratley has a key role in ensuring Brentford can create plenty of chances.

Key Player - Port Vale
Tony Dinning: If Port Vale are to get a result against Brentford it is important that they defend as a cohesive unit. Dinning will be a major player in that and his organisational qualities can mean the difference between letting in a goal and coming away with a clean sheet. He will however need to be asisted up the other end of the pitch by players such as Lowndes, Husbands and Constantine.

Last Match - Port Vale 1 - 0 Brentford

Keys to victory - Brentford
Breaking through a tough defensive line
Patience
Keeping the tempo high

Keys to victory - Port Vale
Taking the sting out of the game
Using the chances they are given in front of goal
Tactical plans

Match Prediction - Though it will no doubt be a tough game for the Bees, expect them to come away with a one or a two goal victory. However is Vale score first expect it to be a scrappy draw or a defeat for the home side.