Two sides with very different goals for the end of the season face off in League Two in a game which has huge implications at both ends of the table in what promises to be an Easter classic,
League Two
Our 3 predictions for Carlisle United vs Port Vale
- 1st prediction: Port Vale to win or draw
- 2nd prediction: Over 2.5 goals in the game
- 3rd prediction: Both teams to score
1st prediction for Carlisle United vs Port Vale: Port Vale to win or draw – 1/5
This is a huge game with giant implications across the table. A Carlisle win would give them a fighting chance of survival going into the last three games if results go their way. A win for Port Vale and results in their favour would open up a seven point gap at the top of the table and see them all but promoted. Both sides enter this one full of confidence, with Carlisle winning two on the bounce and Port Vale winning four on the bounce. Ultimately though, the league table over the course of a season is the best representation of teams’ quality, and Port Vale have been among the better sides while Carlisle have largely been poor. The home side are fighting for their lives but this may be the wrong game for them as Port Vale’s quality will probably be too much, helping their cause and consigning the hosts to probable relegation.
2nd prediction for Carlisle United vs Port Vale: Over 2.5 goals in the game – 1/1
There’s going to be goals in this one. Vale haven’t been spectacular going forward this season, with defence their main strength, but they have found their shooting boots at the right time, with ten in their last three as they have dispatched promotion rivals Bradford and Walsall. They’re a side with plenty of momentum and confidence and despite being the away side they will want to go for Carlisle as much as possible and exploit the weaknesses that have left their opponents fighting for their EFL status. Carlisle have improved going forward, scoring in six of their last seven as they have given themselves a chance from their previously hopeless position. You’d fancy them to score again in this one, but they may not score enough to get the vital win they need.
3rd prediction for Carlisle United vs Port Vale: Both teams to score – 4/5
This is a similar prediction to the previous one. This is going to be an open game as both sides look to achieve their goals as the season comes to an end; neither side can really afford to sit back. Carlisle in particular have to go for it as they look to climb out of the relegation zone, but due to their struggles this could leave them open at the back which could see them suffer. Port Vale’s recent record and position at the top of the table means they are always likely to score, especially against inferior sides. They will look to go seven clear with three matches left, a situation that will see them pretty much promoted, so they will attack too.
Best odds for Carlisle United vs Port Vale
| Bookmaker | Carlisle United | Draw | Port Vale |
| MyriadPlay | 23/10 | 11/5 | 21/20 |
| Gentleman Jim | 9/4 | 9/4 | 11/10 |
| Betarno | 227/100 | 209/100 | 26/25 |
Full preview of the game: last results and head to head
As far as League Two games go this one could not be bigger. A loss for Carlisle would consign them to almost certain relegation, while a win would give them a fighting chance of survival. A win for Port Vale would put them firmly in the driver’s seat for promotion and even the title, while a loss would blow the race wide open.
In terms of form coming into this, both sides are doing well. Carlisle have two wins on the bounce and three in their last six which has seen them less adrift at the bottom, while Vale have won four on the bounce with wins over rivals which has seen them up to the top of the table. Both sides won their last game; Vale thrashing Bromley 5-0 while Carlisle claimed a crucial win at bottom side Morecambe.
Taking fixture history into account, Carlisle have the upper hand with 17 wins to 16. They’re also unbeaten in the last two meetings of the side, and will hope to continue that run this weekend.
Confrontation
Where to watch Carlisle United vs Port Vale
This is a huge game in League Two which will have huge implications across the table. As a result, it has been selected as part of the Easter TV schedule. Here’s where to watch it.
- Location: Brunton Park. Carlisle, UK, CA1 1LL
- Channel: Sky Sports+ (subscription required)
- Date and time: 3pm UK time, Friday 18th April 2025
Probable lineups for Carlisle United vs Port Vale
This is an interesting game in terms of team selection. Both sides have plenty to play for and have to go for it, so they’ll pick their best teams. Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Carlisle United
Line up: G Breeze, J Ellis, A Hayden, T Thomas, C Harper, S Fusire, C Whelan, K Harris, S Wearne, G Kelly, M Dennis
Injuries/suspensions: None
Coach: Mark Hughes
Port Vale
Line up: B Amos, N Smith, C Hall, J Debrah, R Walters, S Hart, R Croasdale, B Garrity, J Shorrock, L Tolaj, J Stockley
Injuries/suspensions: M Clark (injured)
Coach: Darren Moore
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