Swindon Town vs Port Vale betting tips: League Two play-off semi-final first leg preview, predictions and odds

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Port Vale have only won four of their last 19 meetings with Swindon, although two of those wins have come in the last four. This'll be Swindon's ninth play-off campaign, gaining promotion in three of the first four but none of the last four. Port Vale have gone up via the play-offs twice in three attempts, most recently doing so in 2013.

Both teams to score is 5/6.

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals is 6/4.

Only two League Two players scored more goals than Harry McKirdy's 22 this season. He is 9/2 to break the deadlock and 6/4 to score anytime. 

Match preview

These two finished just one place and one point apart in the League Two table, but only one will be at Wembley on 28 May.

Swindon Town were in the Premier League in 1994 and have changed division 12 times in the last 29 years.

Two years ago, the Robins were crowned League Two champions before returning to the fourth-tier 12 months ago.

Ben Garner's side come into this tie having won four games in a row, hammering Walsall 3-0 at Bescot Stadium on Saturday.

Harry McKirdy broke the deadlock before Jack Payne bagged a brace, all before half time.

So, can Swindon carry their impressive form into this huge clash?

Port Vale meanwhile are aiming to return to League One for the first time since 2017.

The Valiants' had seemingly blown their top seven hopes by losing three games on the bounce in late-April and early-May.

But, on the final day, James Wilson got the only goal in a crucial 1-0 victory over Exeter City at St James' Park.

Darrell Clarke's men will be looking to leave Wiltshire in a good position with the second leg back at Vale Park to come on Thursday.

Will there be a winner at the County Ground?

Swindon Town team news

Harry McKirdy is the danger man, having scored 22 goals this season, including when Manchester City visited the County Ground in January.

Joe Wollacott is Ghana's number one goalkeeper, starting their last nine competitive internationals.

However, he has seemingly lost his place in the Swindon team with Lewis Ward having kept goal in their last four fixtures.

Midfielder Jonny Williams has gained promotion via play-offs with Crystal Palace and Charlton, so will be hoping for a hat-trick with Swindon.

Port Vale team news

James Wilson's 12th goal of the season on Saturday will see him keep his place, in-behind the strike partnership of Ryan Edmondson and Jamie Proctor.

22 year old goalkeeper Aidan Stone has kept nine clean sheets in 25 appearances this season, and another here would give Port Vale the advantage in this tie.

Final League Two table:

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