Port Vale vs Middlesbrough Prediction (19.12.2023)

The League Cup is back as we approach the quarter-final stage of the competition. Every club from the top four tiers of English football began this journey but now, only eight remain, with a trip to Wembley being within touching distance for them all. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be an intriguing clash between Port Vale and Middlesbrough.

Over the course of the last few years, Port Vale have been able to establish themselves as a League One team - and they deserve to be celebrated as such. Their fans have been passionate in voicing their support for the progress that’s been made and as we look ahead to their future, it’s no longer outrageous to think the Championship is a realistic target for them.

Way back in the first round, Port Vale defeated Fleetwood 3-2 in a thriller. They went on to knock Crewe out on penalties before beating Sutton 2-1, and then, in a visit to face Mansfield, they came away with a 1-0 win to reach the last eight.

Middlesbrough constantly seem to be in the conversation when it comes to teams that have the potential to bounce up to the Premier League. They’re the kind of club that has the pedigree necessary to make some big strides forward, and there’s a big fanbase to run alongside that. At this stage, they’ll also fancy their chances at springing a few cup upsets in this miraculous run.

Following a five goal thriller, Boro managed to edge past Huddersfield in the first round. They went on to beat Bolton in a rematch of the 2004 final, they beat Bradford 2-0 in the third round, and they overcame a very game Exeter 3-2 in a fun round of 16 showdown.

Port Vale have come far in this competition, but it’s safe to say they haven’t played a great standard of opponent up to this point - whereas Boro will come into this knowing that, on paper, they’re more superior out of the two sides. As such, we’re going to back a Middlesbrough victory.