Bristol City have a chance to advance to move to the fifth round of the FA Cup when they travel to Port Vale on Saturday afternoon.
The Valiants will be looking to get back to winning ways after being on the wrong end of a 4-0 thrashing last time out at home to Stockport County.
While Gerhard Struber's Robins travel north in buoyant mood after a much-needed 3-2 win over Hull City.
Port Vale come into the fourth round after beating Fleetwood 1-0, while Bristol City thrashed Watford 5-1 in round three.
Take a look at more FA Cup predictions here.
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Port Vale vs Bristol City: Away side to advance?
Key stats
- Port Vale are winless in three and have conceded seven goals in that time.
- Jon Brady has won three of eight games in charge of Port Vale.
- Struber's Bristol City come into the weekend game just a point outside the Championship playoff places.
- The Valiants have not beaten the Robins in the past nine meetings.
Correct score prediction: Port Vale 0-4 Bristol City
Despite inconsistent form since the turn of the New Year, Bristol City will be hoping to end the season in the Championship's top six, while Port Vale are on the verge of dropping into England's fourth tier.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Away side expected to breeze into next round
- HOME: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
- DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27.03%
- AWAY: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.89%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
This particular clash feels like a bit of a mismatch, with the sides in completely different positions in their respective leagues, although the FA Cup can always throw up a shock. However, it is no surprise to see the bookmakers back Bristol City comfortably with a win down as 57.89%.
We have more free betting tips for today to help you out with the best possible selections.
Most recent H2Hs: Bristol City dominate
As previously mentioned, Port Vale have not beaten the Robins in the past nine meetings. With that said, it has been a long time since the two sides met, with a 3-1 win for Bristol City in 2015 the most recent encounter.
Port Vale preview: Changes to come with league safety still the main aim
Jon Brady may look to make several changes with momentum in League One still the main priority for the Valiants. Expect them to stick with the same 3-4-3 formation with Aston Villa loanee Joe Gauci coming back in goal for the hosts.
Predicted lineup: Gauci (GK); Magloire, Headley, Campbell; Lawrence-Gabriel, Walters, Shipley, Gordon; Hall, Stockley, Waine
Last five matches:
- Port Vale 0-4 Stockport County
- Port Vale 2-2 Burton Albion
- Port Vale 0-1 AFC Wimbledon
- Leyton Orient 0-1 Port Vale
- Port Vale 1-3 Exeter City
Bristol City preview: Robins to make wholesale changes
Bristol City have had to endure one of the worst injury crises any team has faced this season. Therefore, Struber may look to make wholesale changes ahead of a clash with a side struggling in the division below. The Robins will remain without Max Bird and Luke McNally but should have everyone else available for the cup tie.
Predicted lineup: Lumley (GK), Tanner, Dickie, Atkinson, McCrorie, S. Morsy, J. Williams, N. Borges; Burgzorg, Armstrong, Earthy
Last five matches:
- Hull City 2-3 Bristol City
- Bristol City 0-5 Derby County
- Bristol City 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday
- Ipswich Town 2-0 Bristol City
- Oxford United 0-0 Bristol City
Player to watch: Sinclair Armstrong
Armstong is expected to lead the line against Port Vale on the weekend. The Irish attacker has three league goals this season despite starting just eight games.
