Lincoln vs Port Vale Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this one. It's 4th versus 24th - top half versus bottom of the pile. You don't need to be a genius to work out who the bookies fancy here!

Lincoln are sitting pretty in the play-off spots with 28 points from 17 games. They've been a bit up and down lately, mind you. Lost 3-2 to Wycombe in their last game, but before that they beat Doncaster 2-1 at home. The big result for me was that 1-0 win over Stevenage - they're top of the league for a reason!

Port Vale, well, they're in a right old mess. Rock bottom of League One with just 14 points. They've only won 3 games all season and their away form is shocking - just one win in their last 4 on the road. Got hammered 4-0 at Bolton and could only manage a 0-0 draw with Wycombe at home.

The head-to-head tells a proper story too. Lincoln have won 5 of the 9 meetings and have never lost at home to Port Vale. Last time they met, Lincoln won 2-0.

Lincoln are solid at the back on their own patch - only letting in 0.5 goals per game. Port Vale can't buy a goal away from home, averaging just 0.75 per game. That's not going to get you many points in this league!

The goal expectancy is around 2.1 goals, which makes you think Under 2.5 might be worth a punt at 1.67. But honestly, I think Lincoln have got enough quality to see this through.

Sometimes you just have to go with the obvious - better team, home advantage, poor opposition. It's not rocket science, is it?