Chelsea vs Port Vale Preview: Port Vale Aim to Continue Dream FA Cup Run at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea FC host Port Vale FC at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup quarter-final, with the visitors hoping to continue their dream run.

Port Vale head to Stamford Bridge for their quarter-final FA Cup clash against Chelsea. It is the first time since 1953, and only the second time ever, that the Valiants have reached this stage of the competition. The last time they were in a quarter-final, they beat Leyton Orient 1–0 away from home, giving them a 100% record at this stage.

Port Vale have only conceded one goal in this FA Cup run, which came in the first round against non-league side Maldon & Tiptree.

However, these impressive FA Cup performances have not translated to league form, as Port Vale sit 24th and rock bottom of League One.

Chelsea head into this fixture off the back of losing four games in a row in all competitions their worst run since 1993. Despite this poor form, they remain overwhelming favourites and will be expected to comfortably beat the League One side.

The last time these two sides faced each other was almost 100 years ago, back in 1929 a game which Port Vale won 1–0.

Chelsea head into this game with six first-team players out injured. Benoît Badiashile and Jamie Gittens remain doubts, while Filip Jørgensen, Levi Colwill, Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah are all unavailable for Liam Rosenior.

Port Vale also have a couple of players unavailable. Defender Ben Heneghan and midfielder George Byers remain out after picking up injuries on 7 March.

Predicted Line-ups

Chelsea XI:

Robert Sánchez, Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr, Marc Cucurella, Roméo Lavia, Dário Essugo, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap.

Port Vale XI:

Joe Gauci, Jordan Gabriel, Kyle John, Cameron Humphreys, Conner Hall, Jaheim Headley, Jordan Shipley, Funso Ojo, Ben Garrity, Ethon Archer, George Hall.