THE Adver takes a look at Swindon Town's next League One opponents, Port Vale.

THE CHALKBOARD

IT HAS been an almighty summer of upheaval at Port Vale since former boss Rob Page departed to take over at Northampton Town at the tail end of last term.

Bruno Ribeiro, who counts Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho as one of his close friends, has taken over and an influx of foreign imports have followed, including players from France, the Netherlands, Portugal and Curaçao.

In specific terms, there have been 14 incomings and 17 departures at Vale this summer.

Ribeiro’s men have enjoyed a good start to their League One season and are unbeaten so far after a draw and two victories.

They employ a continental style, which, like Town, involves passing the ball out from the back, and they're yet to concede a goal in the league.

LIKELY LINE-UP

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

A MAN IN FORM: NATHAN SMITH 

PORT Vale youth product Nathan Smith only made his senior debut on the opening day of the season but boss Bruno Ribeiro believes that clubs from a higher level will be in for the young defender very soon.

The 20-year-old has had two spells out on loan in non-league and in the National League last term, he made 44 appearances for Torquay United and was named the club’s player of the season and young player of the season.

After impressing in pre-season, Smith has played his part in Vale keeping three clean sheets in as many league outings so far this term and his manager wouldn’t be surprised to receive a bid from a Premier League of Championship team before long.

Smith is only under contract until next summer and Vale may face a fight to keep hold of him.

TREATMENT ROOM

DUTCHMAN Kjell Knops is currently Port Vale’s only recognised senior left-back option, so when the 29-year-old was forced off with a knock during his side’s 1-0 victory over Rochdale on Tuesday night, there were some understandable reasons for concern.

Knops, who signed on at Vale Park in July after five seasons with MVV Maastricht in his homeland, came off during the second half of Tuesday’s clash and midfielder Anthony de Freitas was forced to fill in.

Veteran full-back Adam Yates, who usually operates at right-back, is out for seven months with a knee injury whilst Portuguese summer signing Kiko has only just resumed training following an Achilles problem.

Vale are hopeful of Knops being fit for Saturday’s trip to the County Ground.

Striker Rigino Cicilia could also be back in contention for this weekend’s game after injury but Anton Forrester is expected to retain his place up top.

FORM GUIDE

Tue, Aug 16

Skybet League 1

1-0 win v Rochdale (H)

Sat, Aug 13

Skybet League 1

2-0 win v Southend (H)

Tue, Aug 9

EFL Cup

2-1 loss v Carlisle (A)

Sat, Aug 6

Skybet League 1

0-0 draw v Bradford (A)

Sun, May 8

Skybet League 1

5-0 loss v walsall (H)

GOALSCORERS 

Anton Forrester: 1

Anthony Grant: 1

Nathan Smith: 1

Remie Streete: 1

DISCIPLINE

Anthony Grant: 2Y 

Kjell Knops: 2Y 

The stat

There has been just one goalless draw between these two sides in the last 40 meetings - a run stretching back to 1986.