Port Vale are making an appearance in the FA Cup fifth-round for the first time since 1995-96, when Leeds dumped them out of the competition.
Another Premier League opponent comes knocking in the form of Sunderland, when the Black Cats visit Vale Park on Sunday, March 8.
The hosts only reached the quarter-finals once in their history, back in 1953-54, but they will harbour hopes of causing an upset, denting Sunderland’s hopes of reaching the last eight for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
Explore our Port Vale vs Sunderland betting tips below.
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Port Vale vs Sunderland prediction: Premier League side to edge it
Key stats
- Port Vale’s home form in league competition is poor, as they are ranked bottom with only two victories from 16 games.
- None of the hosts’ last four matches saw more than two goals scored on the day.
- Sunderland enter this fixture unbeaten in their last two games in a row.
- Regis Le Bris’s men have not scored more than once in their last six outings.
Correct score prediction: Port Vale 0-1 Sunderland
Jon Brady’s men are lying bottom of League One, and are averaging less than a goal per game at home in the league. They have blanked in two of their last three outings in regulation time, which means they will struggle against a disciplined defence. Sunderland’s goals in the FA Cup both came from set pieces, as they are the only team yet to score from open play in the competition. However, playing against lower-tiered opposition may be just what they need, as they edge this one.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Victory for the visitors
- HOME:11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
- DRAW: 17/5 (4.40) – 22.7%
- AWAY: 10/21 (1.48) – 67.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
With the massive gap between the two clubs in the English football system, it is no surprise that the travelling party enjoy a 67.7% chance of winning this clash. Ladbrokes are suggesting that a draw is more possible than a home victory here, as a stalemate has a 22.7% chance of occurring, while an upset from the Vale only has a 15.4% chance of happening.
We have more free betting tips for today to help you out with the best possible selections.
Most recent H2Hs: Black Cats' domination
The very first FA Cup meetings between the clubs went the way of Port Vale back in the 1930s and 1950s. However, their most recent head-to-heads in this competition saw the Black Cats emerge victorious in 1991-92 and 2018-19. Sunderland have also won their last six dates with the Vale in all competitions.
Port Vale preview: Byers remains sidelined
Midfielder George Byers has been dealing with an injury, causing him to miss Port Vale’s last 10 outings in all competitions. Brady is also sweating on the fitness of Ben Heneghan and Tyler Magloire.
Predicted lineup: Gauci; Campbell, Humphreys, Hall; Lawrence-Gabriel, Walters, Shipley, Gordon; Archer, Waine, Sherif
Last five matches
- 03/03/26: Port Vale 1-0 Bristol City (FA Cup)
- 28/02/26: Port Vale 1-1 Luton (League One)
- 24/02/26: Northampton 0-1 Port Vale (League One)
- 21/02/26: Port Vale 1-1 Reading (League One)
- 17/02/26: Stevenage 2-1 Port Vale (League One)
Sunderland preview: Mukiele headlines long list of absentees
Nordi Mukiele has missed the last two games for the club, but he is one of several concerns for the visitors. Forward Brian Brobbey has also sat out those games through injury, while Reinildo Mandava is battling a knee problem and defender Dennis Cirkin has missed out on the last three fixtures. Goalkeeper Robin Roefs is likely to miss out with a minor hamstring strain, while Noah Sadiki and Trai Hume are suspended.
Predicted lineup: Ellborg; O’Nien, Ballard, Alderete; Geertruida, Xhaka, Rigg, Angulo; Diarra, Le Fee; Mayenda
Last five matches
- 04/03/26: Leeds 0-1 Sunderland (Premier League)
- 28/02/26: Bournemouth 1-1 Sunderland (Premier League)
- 22/02/26: Sunderland 1-3 Fulham (Premier League)
- 15/02/26: Oxford United 0-1 Sunderland (FA Cup)
- 11/02/26: Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Player to watch: Habib Diarra
Habib Diarra has been in decent form for the Black Cats recently, as he found the back of the net in their 1-0 win over Leeds in the Premier League. The Senegalese midfielder scored the only goal in Sunderland’s win in the previous round of the cup, bringing his recent tally to three goals in his last seven appearances. Being on penalty duty means he could be the difference for the visitors on Sunday.