Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the EFL Cup match.
Port Vale
Port Vale play one league lower than their opponents, so they deserve the status of outsiders. Even in League One, Port Vale haven’t scored a lot, 0,19 goals per 1 shot on goals, third result from the bottom. However, they’re quite stubborn, with over 13 shots per 90 minutes on average. Port Vale have won their two last games, scoring 4 goals. It gives hope to the team as this happened for the first time since August.
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough prefer to play in an offensive style. It leads to silly mistakes in defensive actions. They’re unlikely to be more careful, playing against a weaker team. The opponents create 1,41 xG on average in away games of Middlesbrough. The away side is only better than Norwich and Rotherham in goals, conceded in away games (23, 26 and 28 respectively).
Port Vale – Middlesbrough prediction
The key centre defender of Middlesbrough Paddy McNair will miss the game. The side has played 7 games without him, winning only 2 of them. They have conceded at least 1 goal in each game, 1,43 on average. Middlesbrough have taken 1,47 points with McNair in the squad and 1,14 points without him.
I believe that Port Vale will use the problems that Middlesbrough have in the defensive lines. However, it won’t help the home side to keep a clean sheet.
