Sunderland is set to face Port Vale at Vale Park today, looking to avoid an upset in the FA Cup against a team making its deepest run in the competition in 30 years.
The Black Cats hope to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2013-14 season. They come into this match after a crucial 1–0 win over Leeds United, which ended a shaky period for the team.
Sunderland reached this round by defeating Premier League team Everton and Championship side Oxford United. However, they need to adjust to playing against third-tier opponents now. Both of their FA Cup goals this season have come from set pieces, showing a reliance on dead-ball situations.
Port Vale is making its first appearance in the FA Cup fifth round since 1996. Even though they sit at the bottom of League One and are fighting against relegation, they have found some form lately, winning two and drawing two of their last four matches in different competitions.
The Valiants made it to the last 16 by defeating Championship side Bristol City 1–0, demonstrating that they can compete well against higher-level teams. Historically, Vale Park has proven tough for Sunderland, and Port Vale is eager to secure its first win against a Premier League team in three decades.
Port Vale vs Sunderland – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
- Kick-off: 13:30 GMT
- Venue: Vale Park, Stoke-on-Trent
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- VAR: Michael Salisbury
- Last Meeting: Port Vale 1–2 Sunderland (10 Aug 2021, EFL Cup)
Team News
Port Vale
Manager Jon Brady reports that the squad is mostly healthy after their win over Bristol City. The Valiants are expected to field the same starting XI as they continue their unbeaten run. Key players like Hall, Walters, and Shipley are ready for this important match.
Sunderland
Régis Le Bris faces a selection challenge with 10 first-team players unavailable. Trai Hume and Noah Sadiki are both suspended. The injury list includes Bertrand Traoré, Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, Brian Brobbey, Dennis Cirkin, Reinildo, Romain Mundle, and Jocelin Ta Bi. Despite these setbacks, Le Bris aims to field the best team possible.
Form
Port Vale
Port Vale has improved defensively, keeping two clean sheets in their last three matches. While they struggle to score, sitting at the bottom of League One, their cup run offers a welcome distraction from their league challenges. This season, they have progressed further in the FA Cup than in any of the past 29 years.
Sunderland
Sunderland has a strong record against Port Vale, winning their last six meetings. They have also performed well away from home, with two wins and one draw in their last three games. Interestingly, Sunderland is the only team left in the fifth round that has not yet scored from open play in this tournament.
Predicted Lineups
Port Vale Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Gauci; Hall, Gabriel, Archer, Walters; Gordon, Waine; Sherif, Humphreys, Shipley; Magloire
Sunderland Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ellborg; Geertruida, Ballard, Alderete, O’Nien; Xhaka, Le Fee; Rigg, Angulo, Talbi; Isidor
How to Watch Port Vale vs Sunderland?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Coverage starts at 13:00 GMT before the kick-off at 13:30.
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