Port Vale vs Sutton United Prediction: This is Sutton's best-ever run in the cup

Port Vale will welcome Sutton United at Vale Park in Round 3 of the EFL Cup. This is Sutton's best-ever run in the cup. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Port Vale form

Port Vale have had a positive start to their second consecutive season in League One, earning 17 points from their first nine matches and currently sitting in fourth place in the table. The team recently drew 1-1 with Cambridge United, with Connor Ripley making a crucial save in the 90th minute to secure a point. This draw means that Port Vale has only lost one of their last 11 competitive matches and has had success in the EFL Cup as well.

In the EFL Cup, Port Vale defeated Fleetwood Town 3-2 in the first round and then won a penalty shootout against Crewe Alexandra to reach the third round for the first time in 14 years. The team is now aiming to make it to the last 16 for the first time since the 2006-2007 season. They can draw inspiration from their previous 2-0 victory against Sutton in March 2022, which was their only competitive home meeting with the team.

Port Vale Predicted Lineup

Ripley; Cass, Smith, Iacovitti; Sang, Arblaster, Ojo, Plant; Garrity, Chislett; Wilson

Sutton United form

On the other hand, Sutton has had a difficult start to the League Two season, collecting only four points from their nine matches and finding themselves at the bottom of the table. They started the campaign with an impressive 5-1 win over Notts County but then suffered seven consecutive league defeats before finally drawing 1-1 against MK Dons. Although they have struggled in the league, Sutton has found some success in the EFL Cup, securing their place in the third round with a penalty shootout win over Cambridge United and a 1-0 away victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

Sutton United Predicted Lineup

Bouzanis; Kizzi, Sowumi, John, Hart; Coley, Clay, N'Guessan, Patrick; Smith, O'Brien

Port Vale vs Sutton United Expert Tips

Despite Sutton's success in knocking out League One teams in previous rounds, we believe they will struggle against Port Vale. Port Vale has been in good form and Sutton has failed to win any of their last five competitive games. We predict that Port Vale will come out on top in this match. Expect more than 2.5 goals in the game.