Chelsea welcome Port Vale to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening for a historic FA Cup quarter-final encounter.
This fixture marks the first competitive meeting between these two clubs in 97 years. Head coach Liam Rosenior is desperate to halt a bruising four-match losing streak in all competitions. The Blues currently sit sixth in the Premier League but face a defining moment in their season.
Chelsea boast a remarkable record against lower-league opposition, winning their last 37 cup ties against such opponents. Notably, a victory today would see the Blues reach their seventh FA Cup semi-final in the last decade.
Port Vale arrive in West London as the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition. The Valiants sit at the bottom of League One, yet they have produced a fairytale cup run. Manager Jon Brady has overseen five consecutive victories to reach this stage for only the second time ever.
Following their shock fifth-round win over Sunderland, the visitors aim to become the first third-tier side since 2018 to eliminate two top-flight clubs in one campaign.
Chelsea vs Port Vale – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 4 April 2026
- Kick-off: 17:30 BST
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
- Referee: Farai Hallam
- VAR: Neil Davies
Team news
Chelsea
Liam Rosenior confirmed a significant internal sanction for Enzo Fernández following comments made during the international break. The midfielder will miss today’s match and next week’s clash with Manchester City. However, wingers Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens are both fit to feature.
Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, and Levi Colwill all remain sidelined through injury. Notably, João Pedro enters the tie in lethal cup form, having scored seven goals in his last seven FA Cup appearances.
Port Vale
The visitors must navigate this quarter-final without George Byres, Jayden Stockley, and Ben Heneghan. Midfielder Ryan Croasdale faces a late fitness test before kick-off. Notably, striker Ben Waine has already netted three FA Cup goals this season. Port Vale will be backed by 6,000 travelling supporters in the Shed End tonight.
Form
Chelsea
Chelsea have reached the quarter-finals after victories over Charlton, Hull, and Wrexham. Despite their domestic cup success, the Blues have struggled lately, conceding 12 goals in their last four matches. Significantly, the Londoners have never lost an away game to Port Vale in seven attempts.
Port Vale
Port Vale’s cup heroics contrast sharply with a league campaign that leaves them 14 points adrift of safety. The Valiants have kept four clean sheets during their impressive run to the last eight. Notably, their last FA Cup quarter-final appearance occurred 72 years ago during the 1953-54 season.
Predicted lineups
Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Hato; Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Estevao, Garnacho; Delap
Port Vale Predicted XI (5-4-1): Gauci; Lawrence-Gabriel, C Hall, Humphreys, John, Gordon; Waine, Ojo, Walters, Archer; Brown
How to watch Chelsea vs Port Vale?
The match will be televised live in the UK on BBC One and TNT Sports 1. Digital streaming is available via the BBC iPlayer and discovery+ apps.
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