York's new loan signing Josh Carson is expected to go straight into the starting line-up.
The teenage midfielder, a Northern Ireland international, joined for an initial month from Ipswich this week and should feature.
Manager Nigel Worthington, who has no new injury or suspension problems, could be boosted by the return to contention of defender Lanre Oyebanjo, who has missed the last two games due to a calf strain.
Midfielder Jon Challinor remains sidelined as he recovers from a broken fibula, while striker Michael Coulson, out since October with knee ligament damage, has returned to full training.
Worthington, who employed a 4-4-2 formation in the midweek home draw with Rochdale with Michael Rankine and Jason Walker partnered up front, is chasing his first win as manager, while the Minstermen are bidding for their first victory in 14 matches.
Sam Morsy will miss Port Vale's trip through suspension.
Morsy received his 10th yellow card of the season during the Valiants' 2-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night and the midfielder must serve a two-match ban.
He joins skipper Doug Loft, who will complete a three-match suspension, and defenders Darren Purse (calf) and Dan Jones (knee) on the sidelines.
Also absent will be Ashley Vincent after he was carried off on a stretcher at the Memorial Stadium in midweek.
Vale are still waiting to discover the full extent of Vincent's injury but the winger is not thought to have broken his leg as initially feared.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Ryan Burge will be involved. The midfielder faces disciplinary action from the club after failing to attend Vale's pre-match meal in Bristol and then breaking the club's social media guidelines after being omitted from the squad.
