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Chelsea v Port Vale: Line-ups, stats and preview

The lowdown on Chelsea v Port Vale in the FA Cup

Written by Mitch Fretton
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Chelsea v Port Vale: Line-ups, stats and preview

Chelsea return to FA Cup action on Saturday evening as they host League One strugglers Port Vale at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are enduring a difficult spell under Liam Rosenior, having lost their last four matches across all competitions. Their Champions League campaign ended in heavy fashion against Paris Saint-Germain, while domestic defeats to Newcastle and Everton have not made things any easier.

With their league position leaving Champions League qualification uncertain, the FA Cup represents Chelsea’s only realistic route to silverware this season. They have a strong recent record at this stage, winning their last six quarter-final ties.

Port Vale, by contrast, arrive as the competition’s lowest-ranked remaining side. Despite sitting bottom of League One, their cup run has been impressive, highlighted by a shock victory over Sunderland in the previous round.

Under Jon Brady, the Valiants are aiming to reach their first FA Cup semi-final since 1954, although the scale of the challenge at Stamford Bridge is significantly larger than anything they have faced so far.

Chelsea v Port Vale team news

Chelsea remain without several first-team players, including Reece James and Mykhaylo Mudryk, but Benoit Badiashile could return after illness.

Rotation is expected, with attacking options such as Liam Delap and Marc Guiu pushing for starts. Young talents may also feature, particularly if key figures like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez are rested.

Port Vale are dealing with injuries of their own, with Ben Heneghan and Jayden Stockley unavailable. Onel Hernandez is pushing for a start after recent substitute appearances.

Ben Waine, who scored the winner against Sunderland, is expected to lead the attack once again.

Chelsea v Port Vale predicted line-ups

Chelsea celebrate against Wrexham

Chelsea starting XI: Robert Sanchez, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Jorrel Hato, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap.

Port Vale starting XI: Joe Gauci, Connor Hall, Henry Lawrence, Jesse Gray, Declan John, Ryan Headley, Funso Ojo, Jordan Archer, Baylee Sherif, Jordan Shipley, Tom Garrity.

Where to watch Chelsea v Vale: TV channel, live online streams

Kick-off on Saturday is at 17:15 BST (12:15 ET / 09:15PT). Live TV coverage in the UK is on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and the HBO Max app.

TNT Sports costs £30.99 a month and is available on a vast range of devices including smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Chelsea v Port Vale stats

  • Chelsea have lost their last four matches in all competitions
  • The Blues have won their last six FA Cup quarter-final ties
  • Chelsea have won their last 37 cup matches against lower-league opposition
  • Port Vale have won five consecutive FA Cup matches this season
  • Port Vale are the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition

Chelsea v Port Vale prediction

Chelsea

3 – 1

Port Vale

Despite poor recent form, Chelsea’s quality and depth should prove too strong. Port Vale’s cup run has been admirable, but this step up in class is likely to end their journey.

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