Football Analyst

Northampton Town manager John Brady is relishing the visit of promotion rivals Leyton Orient on Saturday. The Cobblers sit 4th just a point outside the automatic places but Brady highlights that the O’s can draw level on points with a victory at Sixfields. Speaking to ntfc.co.uk “I’m expecting quite a battle, I’m sure there will be a strong home crowd and that will really spur us on”.

League Record – P18 W9 D4 L5 F24 A15

Only one defeat in last seven league games – W5 D1 L1

Only Forest Gren (14) and Tranmere (14) have conceded fewer goals

Northampton picked up their first win in six games in all competitions on Tuesday night with a 2-1 win over Oldham. First half goals from Jon Guthrie and Kion Etete set them on their way; Carl Piergianni halved the deficit but it wasn’t enough as the Cobblers held on to victory to move them up to 4th.

Brady was delighed with his sides first half performance on Tuesday night as they went 2-0 ahead but wasted chances to put the game out of sight. Oldham improved in the second half with the 46 year old acknowledging his side should have had the game won earlier. Speaking to ntfc.co.uk “they put everything on our back four, winning the first contacts and for some reason we were tenative. We know in the end it wasn’t god enough. The first half we were excellent and should have put them to bed a lot more. We could have killed the game off”.

No team in league two has kept more clean sheets – nine

No clean sheet in last three league games (six in all comps)

Three clean sheets in last four home games

Despite the poor second half performance, Brady hopes his side can learn from that experience going forward. Brady introduced Nicky Kabamba and Danny Rose as they moved to a 4-4-2 to release pressure in the final minutes. Speaking to ntfc.co.uk Brady stated “they played in a certain way to counteract us and you are not always going to have it your own way at this level. We need to be adaptable and more flexible in these moments. Some of our decision making needed to be better but in the end we dug out the result”.

Failed to score in three league games

Scored in last 12 games in all comps

Only failed to score in one of their last 16 games

The Cobblers have been in fine form at home this season and Brady is hoping his side can add another three points against Orient. The former Brackley boss has urged on the crowd to push them over the line when Orient visit. Speaking to ntfc.co.uk “four wins in a row at home, real positive with some of the football we did in the first half. Exceptional and relentless with wave after wave of attack. I’ve said all day long, it needs to be a fortress at home and we’re trying to make it that. Our home form has been good. Second half we really neded the crowd”.

Joint Best Home record in league with Exeter and Hartlepool

Home Record – P9 W6 D1 L2 F15 A7

Only lost one of their last seven – W4 D2 L1

The O’s arrive on Saturday in good form with Brady fully aware of the threat that Kenny Jackett’s men could pose. Speaking to ntfc.co.uk “Orient will be a strong opponent, they are unbeaten in their last eight and have only lost two games this season. They are in every single game they play. They are onkly behind us in the league but our home form has been strong so we can take confidence from that”.

Scored in last eight league games – netting 15 goals

Brady will be forced into at least one change against the O’s with midfielder Shaun McWilliams out through suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Oldham. The 46 year old hasn’t changed his team much, naming the same starting 11 in six of their last eight league matches. Speaking to northamptonchron.co.uk “I did feel players were a bit fatigued. We’re talking to one or two players in terms of how they can force their way into team and give that impact but trust has not always been there, they ned to put a marker down when they get an opportunity”.

Head to Head – Northampton 30, Draw 22, Leyton Orient 29

Northampton have only lost one of the last nine league games – W4 D4 L1

Rochdale manager Robbie Stockdale insists his side will remain focused ahead of the visit of Leyton Orient on Saturday. Dale face an FA Cup replay with Notts County on Tuesday for a spot in Round Two but Stockdale knows the importance of their league form. Speaking to rochdaleafc.co.uk “our sole focus is to win three league games on the bounce”.

Only lost one of their last six in all competitions – W2 D3 L1

Dale head into the clash with Orient on the back of a 1-1 draw with Notts County last Sunday. Corey O’Keeffe put them ahead just before the break but Kyle Wootton equalised just after the hour mark to force a replay. Stockdale stated to rochdaleafc.co.uk “we didn’t play to our best but credit to Notts County, I felt we probably created the better of chances, on the balance of play, it’s probably a fair result but we could have won it”.

After a fortnight away from league action with two cup games, Stockdale is looking for his side to continue their recent good league form. After back to back league wins, the 41 year old is looking for his side to start where they left off against the O’s. Speaking to rochdaleafc.co.uk “I hope we do, four games unbeaten then the FA Cup game was a difficult game but we came through it and we are still in the draw. If we get the win at the weekend, it will give us good momentum to take in to next week”.

Only Carlisle and Scunthorpe (5) have scored fewer goals at home

One win in last five at home – W1 D1 L3

Despite having the replay FA Cup replay on Tuesday night with a money spinning Round Two home game against Plymouth or Sheffield Wednesday, Stcokdale insists the mentality of his team remains the same. Speaking to rochdaleafc.co.uk “cup games come around and are all exciting, our mentality remains the same going into win the game. We always try and play on the front foot. It’s another difficult game, Leyton Orient are an experienced team and have an experienced manager. We have to be at our best in any game to win it”.

No clean sheet in last four, one clean sheet in last 12 games

Scored in three of their last four games

Orient arrive at the Crown Oil Arena in fine form and inside the play off places. Despite sitting in 13th, Dale are only outside the play off places by three points and know a win against the O’s can push them right in the mix. Dale have already beaten Port Vale, Northampton and Sutton at the top end of the table and will be looking to replicate that form on Saturday. Spekaing to rochdaleafc.co.uk Stockdale stated “we’ve had the fixtures before and done well, we always respect the opposition no matter who we play. We will try and inpose our style on games and we will be doing no different at the weekend”.

Team News

Defender Jim NcNulty is stil unavailable as he continue his rehab. Winger Alex Newby and defender Max Taylor could be involved in teh matchday squad after returning to training this week. Striker Josh Andrews returned to the bench against Notts County and should be involved on Saturday.

Head to Head – Rochdale 12, Draw 5, Leyton Orient 21

Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb is confident his side can pull of an FA Cup shock when his side visit League Two, Leyton Orient on Saturday. Fleet sit 46 places below the O’s in the pyramid but the 41 year old is relishing the trip and opportunity of overcoming an EFL side. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “If we’re on top of our performance then I’m not worried. They are better and two leagues above us but I’m not worried or afraid, quite the opposite. I’m really looking forward to this”.

Sit 5th in National League South

Fleet head to E10 on the back of seven straight wins in all competitions and will be full of confidence. Kutrieb’s men were without a game last weekend after their clash with Bath City was postponed due to Covid Cases in the Bath camp. The weekend off gave Kutrieb the opprtunity to see the O’s, “I would say we know what they do. We will prepare like it’s a league game but it will be good to see how good we are at the moment and if we can compete against them” Kentonline.co.uk

Kutrieb joined Ebbsfleet in the summer of 2020 and has only lost one of his five FA Cup games in charge, on penalties to Chippenham Town last season. The German is hoping to become only the third Fleet manager to overcome EFL opposition but he has higher hopes for his managerial career in the FA Cup. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “it’s nice to be in the first round, it’s not something to put on you CV, it would mean a lot if we could get to the third round where the big teams. I’m happy don’t get me wrong, we deserve to be in the first round but we want to go further”.

Ebbsfleet have plenty of football league experience within their squad and Kutrieb is excited that they will be able showcase themselves against current EFL players. It will be Kutrieb first game against EFL opposition and he is keen to see all aspects of how clubs work at that level. Speaking to ebbsfleetunited.co.uk “ it’s very exciting for every player because they have really worked hard during the week. I can see it, I can feel it and everyone is reall excited to play on Saturday. It’s a big test bu that’s the reason why they work so hard becuase they want to have these test to know if they are still good enough”. He added “I can see everything behind the scenes, how we can compete as a team and I’m really looking forward to it”.

The O’s head into Saturday’s clash on the back of a 5-0 home win and Kutrieb highlights that his side can’t afford to gift them any opportunities if they are to pick up a result. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “we can’t afford to make stupid mistakes, they will punish them straight away, if you don’t do that, then you have a chance to win. In 90 minutes anything is possible no matter who you play against, you can get something out of the game. Our players know we can get something out of the game”.

Last Reached Round Two in 2003 after 1-0 away at Chester in Round One

Fleet are set to be backed by over 800 fans at Brisbane Road on Saturday with Kutrieb hoping they can give them that extra push to establish their place in round two. Fleet lost 2-1 to Orient back in 1993 in the FA Cup but the 41 year old is hoping for better on Saturday. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “our fans can help us a lot. If we can get them behind us then they will push us forward. Hartlepool had over 650 fans there last weekn and it was noisy. It would give us a massive lift to have even more support”.

Head to Head – Ebbsfleet (Gravesend & Northfleet) 2, Draw 2, Leyton Orient 1

Leyton Orient midfielder Craig Clay insists his side need to be professional when they face Ebbsfleet United in the FA Cup. The O’s have failed to progress to the second round in the last five seasons and the 29 year old is keen for his side to have a cup run this season. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s special, our focus is on Saturday, we will show them respect and make sure we do the job right on Saturday”.

Orient have lost their last four FA Cup Games, only won one of their last nine FA Cup games

The O’s head into the cup on the back of an emphatic 5-0 home win over Hartlepool last weekend. Aaron Drinan struck a hatrick while Tom James and Harry Smith rounded off the scoring. Manager Kenny Jackett was delighted with the victory stating to leytonorient.com “it was a great win for us after a frustrating run of draws. It came together on Saturday and we need more of the same”.

The FA Cup hasn’t been kind to the O’s in recent years, last reaching the second round in 2015 but Jackett is keen for that to change this season. The 59 year old has plenty of cup pedigree having taken Millwall to the Semi-Finals back in 2013 and highlights the benefit of a cup run. Speaking to leytonorient.com “the FA Cup means a lot, it’s a fantastic competition, it’s great for the supporters. For the club in general it can only help. If you have a run in the cup it can supplement and boost a good league campaign”.

Clay regained his side in the team against Hartlepool and impressed on his return. The 29 year old has been in and out of the side since Jackett’s arrival in the summer and acknowledges the confidence boost his side had after their win last weekend. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s good to be back in the starting lineup, it’s never nice not being picked on Saturday but you have to get your head down and work hard to get back in the team. Now in the team, you have to work hard to stay in the team”.

Jackett has never lost to a non league side in the FA Cup but is aware the banana skin that Ebbsfleet will possess on Saturday. Fleet sit 5th in National League South, 46 league places below the O’s but the 59 year old has been impressed with them. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I have seen them a few times, they are well coached and have a good manager there. I saw them play last season and this season. They have a nice and good way about them. They are in good form and have aspirations to go up this year. They will be enjoy coming here and will be looking to upset a league side”.

Jackett has progressed to Round Two in his last three seasons as a manager

Clay has only won one of his five FA Cup games in an Orient shirt will be looking to add to that tally on Saturday. The O’s went out to non league Maldon & Tiptree in 2019 with Clay starting in the game and the 29 year old knows the dangers of playing teams from lower divisions. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they will be confident, they have a lot of good pros and players who have been in higher leagues. We are not going to take them lightly but we are confident. Winning breeds confidence whatever competition. We want to win every game, we need to put a strong team out to progress”.

Team News

Forward Paul Smyth should be back involved after recovering from his hamstring injury. Adam Thompson continues his recovery but will not be involved while midfielder Hector Kyprianou will be hoping for a recall to the starting 11.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 1, Draw 2, Ebbsfleet (Gravesend & Northfleet) 2

Leyton Orient winger Theo Archibald has called on his side to put on a show against Hartlepool On Saturday. The O’s welcome Pool in front of a sold out Brisbane Road after the “football for a fiver” initiaitive and the on loan Lincoln winger is keen to ensure the bumper crowd have some excitement. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it has a slightly added importance from the clubs point of view, lots of young fans and people from local areas who may have not seen us play before it is key we put on a show to make them want to come again”.

Sit 10th on 20 points

League Record – P14 W4 D8 L2 F20 A12

Orient made it four draws on the spin after a 0-0 stalemate at Stevenage last weekend. Manager Kenny Jackett was left frustrated with his sides inability to score for the second time in three games. Speaking to leytonorient.com “there is a little bit of disappointment, we had a good foothold in the game but our finishing and final ball didn’t go our way. We do need to start to get around their box and carving out more clear cut chances”.

Despite the lack of goals in attack, the draw against Stevenage was Orient’s sixth clean sheet of this season as they maintain their good defensive record this season. Jackett acknowledges his side must be more creative in attack but doesn’t want to lose their solid base at the back. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we don’t want to lose our defensively solidaity, 12 goals conceded in 14 games is good but going forward we need more cohesion, composure on the ball and finding the right pass at the right time”.

Only Tranmere (8) and Northampton (11) have conceded fewer goals in League Two

After a blistering start in his loan spell, Archibald has been quieter in recent weeks much like the rest of his team but the 23 year old feels his side aren’t far away from finding the net again. Archibald who started at left wing back last weekend highlights his side need to look back at their early season form. Speaking to leytonorient.com “in the last couple of games we have had a bit more fluidity in the the middle third and now it’s about putting the pieces together. We need to take confidence from our first eight to ten games where we were attacking pretty well. We are all pretty confident going into the weekend that we can turn it around”.

Failed to score in four league games

Failed to score in two of last three games

Only scored one goal in last three home games

Despite just returning to League Two, Hartlepool have adapted to life back in the Football League quickly and arrive in E10 after back to back wins. Jackett is fully aware of the challenge that Pool will pose on Saturday, stating to leytonorient.com “they have started excellently, the momentum coming out of the National League is there. Dave Challinor has done an excellenty job. It is a tight league and looking at the table it is still open for them. They are chasing the exact same goal as ourselves to try and get into League One by the end of the season”.

One defeat in last nine at home – W4 D4 L1

Unbeaten in last six – W3 D3

Drew last three at home – two of them 0-0

Even though Orient are winless in their last six league games, they still sit just three points outside the play off places. Just five points seperates Port Vale in second and Newport in 12th and Archibald highlights that a few wins and everything can change in the League table. Speaking to leytonorient.com “a win or two on the bounce and change the picture completely. We’re still pretty early doors in the season but we can’t keep sitting on it. We need three points at the weekend, at home in front of a large attendance”.

Team News

Striker Paul Smyth could still be missing after sitting out the draw at Stevenage with a hamstring injury. Jackett could rotate his strike force with Aaron Drinand being handed a start. Craig Clay will be pushing for a start while Dan Kemp will be hoping to retain his place in midfield.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 20, Draw 11, Hartlepool 21

Hartlepool manager Dave Challinor insists his side are relishing their trip to Brisbane Road tomorrow. Pool travel to the Capital to take on Leyton Orient in front of a sold out stadium looking to make it three wins in a row. The 46 year old stated to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “our focus is Saturday, it’s a really tough game but a really good one to play in. They’ve done football for a fiver, we’ve sold a good amount ourselves and the place will be bouncing”.

Sit 8th on 23 points

League Record – P14 W7 D2 L5 F17 A15

Pool head to the O’s after coming from behind against Harrogate last weekend. Three goals in seven second half minutes turned the game on its head, David Ferguson pulled one back before Mark Cullen equalised and Matty Daly gave them the win. Challinor was delighted with the victory, speaking to hartlepool-united.co.uk “it ends up being a perfect afternoon, I stil stick to the principle of we don;t want to make it a habit. We got the three points and it was a briliant reaction to what we had spoken about at half time”.

An inspired half time substitution from Challinor bringing on the returning Gary Liddle and changing to a 5-3-2 system changed the momentum in favour of Pool. Liddle who had missed the previous five to games with an achilles injury gave Pool a solid base and the veteran defender was delighted to be back on the pitch. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “it’s been a frustrating period, we are managing the problem now and I was happy to play my part in a good win. When something happens like that especially at the Vic; it’s a pretty special occassion”.

Won two of their last three games conceding the first goal

Following a short turn round after their promotion from the National League in the summer, Hartlepool have adapted well to life in League Two sitting in eighth position. Challinor highlights his side will take a lot from recent wins over Bradford and Harrogate heading into a tough run of fixtures. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “we have to take a lot from it, it’s only three points in the table but it makes it really tight and keeps us in a good area of the table. It doesn’t get much easier next month and Saturday is a really tough game. Within November we play teams around us in the table, they bring challenges and opportunities but our focus is on Saturday”.

Saturday is Challinor’s first meeting against the O’s since winning the FA Trophy for AFC Fylde back in 2018. The 46 year old faced the O’s in both seasons Orient were in the National League and has tasted victory at Brisbane Road before. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “having played their previously, it’s the type of ground where the atmosphere is really good. It’s a really good one to play in for the players, it’s a good challenge and another group of questions that need answers. I’m confident we have the answers and am hopeful we can show it on Saturday”.

Away Record – P7 W1 D1 L5 F5 A10

One win all season on the road – last time out vs Bradford 3-1

After sitting on the sidelines for just over a month, Liddle is raring to go and highlights that his side have stepped up well in League Two despite losing several key members of their promotion winning squad. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “I think a lot of people were probably a bit sceptical of how we’ll do. I know it’s pretty similar to the National League, in terms of anyone can beat anyone, we’ve proven it ourselves beating Harrogate and Bradford but losing to Stevenage. If we can find consistency then we will do well”.

Kept four league clean sheets – no clean sheet in last seven

Conceded two or more in four of their last six games

Challinor has followed the journey of the O’s after playing them quickly after their change of owners back in 2017. The 46 year old is keen to highlight that Orient will have high aspirations for this season and is expecting a tough test on Saturday. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “they have a really experienced manager who has had good success. They have started well and will be one of the teams that expect to be up there. We know what it is going to be about; a team that can do both sides. Bug physical side and play direct into a target center forward but they have good footballers too”.

Failed to score in five league games

Scored in four of their last five league games

Only scored in one of their last six away games

Team News

Neil Byrne is out through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Harrogate. Defender Jamie Sterry is Pool’s only doubt after coming off on Saturday in the first half.

Head to Head – Hartlepool 21, Draw 11, Leyton Orient 20

Leyton Orient manager Kenny Jackett has urged his side to get back on the winning trail when they travel to Stevenage on Saturday. Winless in their last five league games, the 59 year old is keen to see his side create more chances. Speaking to leytonorient.com “our standards are to get for the wins. Going forward be more cohesive, create more chances and ultimately score more goals”.

Sit 10th on 19 points

League Record – P13 W4 D7 L2 F20 A12

The O’s head to Stevenage on the back of a third consecutive draw after coming from behind against Forest Green on Tuesday. Matty Stevens put Rovers ahead but Ruel Sotriou’s equaliser saw a share of the spoils. Assistant manager Joe Gallen was left disappointed his side only picked up a point, stating to leytonorient.com “tonight I think we played better, the football in the middle third was better which is what we wanted to do. I thought in both halves we were better side without having plenty of clear cut chances”.

After being the league’s top goalscorers earlier in the season, the goals have dried up for the O’s recently with just four in their last five league games. Despite the lack of goals, Orient have still been good defensively with Jackett keen to build in attacking areas but not lose their defensive stability. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we’ve been good at the back as a team, competitive. But we’re trying to open up a little but more going forward in terms of creating the chances and being free flowing like we were earlier in the season”.

Failed to score in three league games

Scored in every away game this season

With just four points seperating Harrogate in second and Orient in 10th, League Two is proving to be a very tight division. Captain Darren Pratley highlights the importance of turning draws into wins if his side want to be challenging towards the top end of the division. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it was a good point against Forest Green, we’re looking to follow it up against Stevenage at the weekend to try and get three points. We’ve had a couple of draws of late, if we can start changing them into three points, it will push us further up the table”.

Kept five clean sheets – kept two in last six league games

Orient and Bristol Rovers only sides not to have a clean sheet away from home

Orient are currently unbeaten against teams in the bottom half and will be looking to continue that record on Saturday. Pratley revealed he spoke to Stevenage in the summer before joining the O’s and knows the test that they will provide at the weekend. Speaking to leytonorient.com “their another great instutition but have been struggling of late but are a good team. I know the manager, he’s a good man and wants to play in the right way. They have got some good players and it will be a tough game for us; we won’t be taking it lightly”.

The O’s have only lost once on the road this season and Jackett wants that record to continue ahead of two home games. Speaking to leytonorient.com “Stevenage away is tough, we know that, they have got their own aims and goals. We want to get back to winning ways and we’ve done our work on them. I always really concentrate on my own team, development and consistency. We’re going there committed and to get compete. We want to play some incisive football in the final third”.

Team News

Ruel Sotriou is pushing for a start after scoring off the bench on Tuesday. Dan Kemp could keep his place in midfield after starting in midweek. Adam Thompson remains Orient’s only absentee.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 9, Draw 4, Stevenage 4

Orient have kept four consecutive clean sheets

Orient have only lost one of the last 11 league meetings – W7 D3 L1

Walsall Captain Josh Labadie insists his side are gunning for three points when they head to Brisbane Road. The Saddlers are winless on the road this season but the 31 year old is not phased by their away form. Speaking to saddlers.co.uk “it’s not something I look into, I’m confident we can go to any away ground in this league and pick up three points”.

Wasall picked up their first win in five games last weekend with a 2-1 home victory over Salford. Kieran Phillips put them ahead after a minute before Ash Eastham equalised in the second half but substitue Connor Wilkinson struck in added time to give them victory. Head Coach Matt Taylor was delighted with the result stating to saddlers.co.uk “we got what we deserved today, today was three points which reflected the performance and the hard work the players put in”.

The Saddlers have made a relative slow start to the campaign after wholesale changes in the summer with Matt Taylor arriving as head coach. Taylor’s side have settled down to life in League Two as he shapes his squad and is delighted to have competition for places. Following their win, Taylor stated to saddlers.co.uk “hopefully it’s given the players confidence, we’ve been performing well on a whole but not got the results we’ve deserved. We’ve had a good week where they have trained well, there has been an energy and buzz around the place this week”.

Labadie arrived in the summer from Newport and is enjoying his time as a Saddler. Despite sitting in 19th, the 31 year old highlights it is very tight in League Two and it is still early on in the season. Speaking to saddlers.co.uk “we know what we’re capable of in the dressing room. We know our ambitons and goals, we are confident we can achieve them. It;s still early days, we are still gelling as a team. It is alot about building momentum and picking up back to back wins”.

Walsall have only picked up two points on the road and Taylor is fully aware that it will be a tough ask to add to that tally at Leyton Orient on Saturday. Speaking to saddlers.co.uk “ they are a very capable team with an extremely experience manager who has a clear philsophy of how the football club is going to play. They have got quite a settled squad and seem solid. It is going to be a really difficult game, they don’t concede huge amount of goals and are a threat from set plays”.

Head to Head – Walsall 24, Draw 20, Leyton Orient 31

Leyton Orient manager Kenny Jackett wants his side to start on the front foot ahead of a busy week in E10. The O’s host Walsall on Saturday before entertaining Forest Green on Tuesday and the 59 year old highlights the importance of collecting points in three game week’s. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s the start of a flurry of games. 9 points in 8 days can make a big difference in a season. When you get games on top of each other, momentum is a big thing in League Two”.

Orient arrive in E10 on the back of a 1-1 draw at Barrow last weekend courtesy of Omar Beckles’s third goal of the season. Jackett was impressed with his sides response at Barrow, speaking to leytonorient.com “after going a goal down it was our best spell and from then on we had enough chances to win the game. We created a high number of chances but we want to start games like that”.

After three games on the road, goalkeeper Lawrence Vigoroux is welcoming playing back at Brisbane Road. The 27 year old is enjoying life in E10 and is keen to get back to winning ways continuing their good home form. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it is going to be very key going into the Walsall game where we are going to have the majority of the support. We feel the fans can help massively generating an atmosphere which makes very tough for anybody to come up against”.

Unbeaten in Last Four at home – W3 D1

Kept four clean sheets in a row at home – only conceded twice in last six home games

The O’s sit 6th after a positive start under Jackett and will look to maintain their position at the top of the league going forward. With just under a quarter of the season gone, the former Milwall man is pleased with their start but knows there is plenty more to come from his side. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we have been solid, competitive and only lost two league games. We’ve been hard to beat, we want to keep clean sheets but not to the detriment of going forward. We want to attack and score goals”.

Scored in last three games – only failed to score in one of their last nine games

Orient are winless in their last three league games and Vigoroux acknowledges that his side need to get back on the winning trail. The O’s have four games before the FA Cup first round and the 27 year old old highlights that points away are only good when you win your home games. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we need to be winning a lot more games, it’s good to be picking up points on the road, but at home is where we need to come into our own and win. We understand the pressure and expectancy of the fans”.

Walsall picked up their first win in five with victory over Salford last weekend with Jackett feeling they are starting to stabilize under new manager Matt Taylor. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I think they have settled down. Their team selection has been pretty consistent which shows they have been successful in recent games. They have a good way about them, they are finding their feet and coming into their own”.

Team News

Defender Tom James is back from suspension after missing the draw at Barrow while forward Paul Smyth is available after returning from international duty with Northern Ireland. Ruel Sotriou is psuhing for a start after impressing off the bench last week. Defender Adam Thompson remains Orient’s only injured man.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 31, Draw 20, Walsall 24

Port Vale assistant manager Andy Crosby is keen for his side to continue their good form when they host Leyton Orient on Saturday. Second placed Orient arrive at Vale Park unbeaten in six and the 48 year old highlights that the crowd could prove crictical. Speaking to port-vale.co.uk “the backing has been great so far, they have a massive role to play in the results even more so at home. We know the difficulty on Saturday and the know the important role of the fans”.

Vale Sit in fourth place on 15 points – one behind Orient

Four wins in last five league games

Vale made it three straight wins after a 1-0 away win at Scunthorpe last weekend courtesy of a Ben Garrity’s strike. Manager Darrell Clarke was delighted with the victory stating to port-vale.co.uk “we had to defend well on occasions but we create enough chances ourselves and I’m delighted with the team and work ethic to get the clean sheet. You have to dig in away from home at times”.

Saturday’s victory moved Vale up to fourth in League Two but despite three victories on the spin, Clarke was keen to remain grounded and keep everybody level headed. Speaking to port-vale.co.uk “people need to relax, I get frustrated when people get carried away. It’s a good win, an away win, that’s all it is. We know how quickly you can go on good runs aswell as bad ones, they key is to remain grounded and keep consistent with the work”.

70% of Vale’s goals have been scored in the first half

Midfielder Tom Pett is relishing his deeper role in midfield and is enjoying life under Clarke. Pett who played the majoirty of his career further forward has formed a relationship with Tom Conlon and Ben Garrity in midfield. After a slow start, Pett feels his side are starting to grow and admitted they knew it would take time. Speaking to port-vale.co.uk “we said at the start of the season it will take time to gel and understand each other’s games. Thankfully it’s starting to show in games and hopefully it continues”.

Clarke brought in 15 players in the summer transfer window

After back to back clean sheets, Crosby is keen to point out the importance of every player to keep the ball out of the net. Vale have already kept five clean sheets so far in the league and will be looking to make it six against Orient. Speaking to port-vale.co.uk “the clean sheet has to be as important to the center forward as the goal keeper. If they don’t do their job at the top end of the pitch then the pressure builds back to the midfield, defence then the goalkeeper. We have found a way at the moment and there is a real desire to collectively as an 11 to keep the ball out of the net, however it needs to be done”.

Only Tranmere (6) have kept more clean sheets in league

Kept three clean sheets in four home league games this season

Vale have already beaten two of the current top three after victories oevr Forest Green (2-0) and Harrogate (2-0) in recent weeks. Clarke’s men will not be fazed by the arrival of Orient at Vale Park on Saturday with Crosby stating to port-vale.co.uk “Orient have started off really well, they have a really experienced group of players and management team. We know what different challenge it will be to what we have faced in the last few weeks. If we can nullify their strengths, can they nullify ours?”

Head to Head – Port Vale 34, Draw 10, Leyton Orient 19