The visit of Port Vale to Adams Park on Saturday, December 23 is the first of four fixtures in ten days that could help decide if Wycombe’s disappointing start to the season has reached a more positive turning point.

The Chairboys have gone nine games since their last league win, but a draw and a much-improved display at Derby County, the biggest club in the division, have given hope that a change of fortunes could be just around the corner.

Luke Leahy’s last minute penalty equaliser at Derby felt like a pivotal moment after a run of poor performances that have seen Wanderers slide down the League One table.

READ MORE: 'It feels like a win for us' - Luke Leahy on Wycombe's brilliant draw at Derby County

They are just seven points above the relegation places but have a game-in-hand on most of the teams in the bottom half of the table, with home matches over the festive period against Vale and Bristol Rovers and trips to Exeter City and Leyton Orient in between.

Manager Matt Bloomfield opted to change to a 4-2-3-1 formation at Derby and his team produced their best display since the 4-1 win at Fleetwood Town in early October. 

With key players like Sam Vokes and Freddie Potts returning from injury, the prospect of climbing back into the top half of the table looks much brighter, but the next four games are crucial, starting with the visit of Port Vale.

The Potteries club are just two points ahead of Wanderers and they are one of the lowest-scoring sides in the division with only 18 goals in 20 games.

READ MORE: 'I’m so proud of them' - Matt Bloomfield on Wycombe's late draw at Derby County

On their last visit to Adams Park just over a year ago, Vale twice came from behind to earn a point in a 2-2 draw, with the Wanderers goals scored by Anis Mehmeti and Lewis Wing, both of whom have since moved on to other clubs.

Wanderers won 3-0 in the return fixture at Vale Park in February this year, with Brandon Hanlan, Joe Jacobson and Gareth McLeary on the scoresheet.

The Chairboys have lost only three of their 18 previous meetings with Vale, winning seven and drawing the other eight. 

Another win on Saturday would end the drought and give Blues fans the perfect Christmas present.