Port Vale vs Wigan Athletic Preview: Predictions, Team News, Lineups

Port Vale host Wigan Athletic at Vale Park on Sunday. The game carries major significance for the Valiants’ survival hopes.

Context and standings

Port Vale sit 22nd in League One. They are 12 points adrift of safety with five matches left.

The Valiants earned promotion last season via a second-place finish in League Two. This campaign has instead left them fighting relegation.

Port Vale returned seven points from three league games after the FA Cup exit to Chelsea. The recent run included a victory over Peterborough United.

Vale Park has been a struggle. Port Vale have 20 home points from 21 league matches in 2025-26. No side has a worse home record.

Wigan snapshot

Wigan sit 13th with three league fixtures remaining. They are safe from relegation but distant from a play-off push.

The Latics have strung together three successive League One wins for the first time this season. Recent triumphs included victories over Rotherham United and Northampton Town.

Joe Taylor, on loan from Huddersfield, has 15 goals in 37 league appearances. Wigan prepare for a fourth consecutive campaign in League One.

Form and scoring

Port Vale have scored 33 goals in 41 matches this season. Ryan Croasdale leads the club with four goals.

Wigan’s recent momentum has produced clean sheets and better attacking output. Jason Kerr, Joe Taylor and Callum Wright scored in the win that confirmed Rotherham’s relegation.

Recent form (selected)

• Port Vale League One run: L W L L W D W
• Port Vale (all competitions): L L L W D W
• Wigan League One run: W L D W W W

Team news

Ethon Archer scored twice against Peterborough. He looks likely to keep his starting role.

Martin Sherif impressed alongside Archer. Onel Hernandez remains a key outlet on the wing.

Wigan should maintain a centre-back trio after a clean sheet. James Carragher, Jason Kerr and Will Aimson are expected to start.

Joseph Hungbo has only 16 League One starts this season. Joe Taylor’s form has kept Hungbo as an option off the bench.

Possible lineups

Predictions and outlook

Port Vale must attack to have any hope. That approach may create defensive gaps.

Wigan arrive on a run of confidence. They have the personnel to exploit space on the counter.

Predictions favour an away win. Filmogaz.com predicts a 1-3 victory for Wigan Athletic.

This Port Vale vs Wigan Athletic preview includes predictions, breakdown of team news and suggested lineups. Expect an open contest with plenty at stake for Vale Park.