Our prediction for this EFL Cup match:
Port Vale
Match Time & Date:
08/08/2023
20:45
Prediction: 1-1
Fleetwood
The EFL Cup round 1 game between Port Vale and Fleetwood is expected to showcase a closely contested battle. Port Vale, eager to rebound after a daunting 7-0 defeat to Barnsley in their League One opener, welcomes the return of key players Thomas and Chislette to their starting XI. Their collective effort will be crucial in shoring up their defence and regaining stability.
Fleetwood, on the other hand, head into the match without any fresh injury concerns, adding to their strengths. Scotland midfielder Shaun Rooney is widely expected to return to Fleetwood's starting line-up. The history between these two teams highlights their competitive nature, with their last head-to-head encounter culminating in a 1-1 draw. There is a big potential for yet another evenly balanced clash that might very well end in a stalemate, reflecting the closely matched skill and determination of both sides.
Highlighted Player (Funso Ojo ):
Funso Ojo is a Belgium international who plays for Aberdeen as a midfielder. Ojo was born in Antwerp on August 28, 1991, starting his youth career at Olse Merksem. In 2004 he was spotted by PSV scouts, moving to Eindhoven very soon.
Funso Ojo made 11 appearances for PSV in the Dutch Eredivisie before moving to Beerschot AC, yet another club from his youth career. The Belgium international played for the likes of Royal Antwerp, Dordrecht, Willem II, and Scunthorpe United before signing a deal with Aberdeen in 2019. Funso Ojo made his Scotland Premiership debut in a 3-2 win over Hearts.
Speaking of his international career, Ojo has one cap with the Belgium U21 team, but he has yet to earn a call-up for the Belgium senior team. His primary position is central midfield, but he is capable of producing fine displays as a defensive midfielder. As his parents are of Nigeria descent, the Aberdeen footballer has a dual citizenship.
Highlighted Team (Fleetwood):
Known for their attacking style of play, Fleetwood Town are a professional football club based in Fletwood, Lancashire. The Fishermen play their home matches at Highbury Stadium, the venue with the capacity of 5,327 (2,672 seated), with the team wearing red and white shirts in home matches.
On the other hand, Fleetwood footballers are dressed in yellow when playing on the travels. The original club was founded back in 1908 under the name of Fleetwood FC and 69 years later they were re-established as Fleetwood Town F.C. In 1998 the club was renamed to Fleetwood Wanderers after the second reformation.
Legendary England footballer Joey Barton is considered one of the club’s most notable coaches. Barton, who was known for his incidents on the field, has been in charge since June 2, 2018. Neighbouring club Blackpool are regarded as one of Fleetwood’s main rivals. The Fishermen have built up rivalries with Morecambe and Preston North End as well.
Brighton
Southampton
Barcelona
Las Palmas 
Crystal Palace
Newcastle 
Borussia Dortmund 
Bayern Munich 
West Ham
Arsenal
Chelsea 
Aston Villa 
