Apart from the performance, Simpson has several injury worries. Dichio missed the weekend clash and is struggling to be fit for Wednesday. Kelvin Wilson has damaged his medial ligaments and is likely to be out for a while so the back four will change once again with captain Alexander serving the last of his three game ban.
Mccormack filled in at right back on Saturday but with Preston down to the bare bones Simpson maybe struggling to field a fully fit side in midweek. In the meantime he is frantically trying to bring players in to boost the squad.
Th ematch will be a tough one with Port Vale getting off to a flying start topping the League One table with four straight wins. They conceded their first goals of the season on Saturday but have cruised past Leyton Orient, Oldham, Cheltenham and Chesterfield.
All in all Simpson will find it a difficult tie and it will prove how strong the resolve of the current Preston squad is.
