Port Vale vs Sunderland Preview for 20:30 on March 08, FA Cup Round of 16

Preview and odds analysis for Port Vale vs Sunderland at 20:30 on March 08. Prediction of the result, expected lineups, and expert analysis for the match between Port Vale and Sunderland in the FA Cup fifth round.

Match Preview: Port Vale vs Sunderland

Port Vale will host Sunderland at Vale Park on Sunday in the FA Cup fifth round of the 2025-26 season. This is a significant challenge for the home side, as they are currently playing in League One, while Sunderland compete in the Premier League. However, the shocking victory over Bristol City in the previous round has considerably boosted Port Vale's confidence ahead of this encounter.

Manager Jon Brady's team is currently bottom of the League One table with only 27 points, trailing the safety zone by 10 points with 14 rounds remaining. Nevertheless, Port Vale's recent form has shown clear signs of improvement. They have won 2 and drawn 2 in their last four matches across all competitions, scoring 4 goals and conceding only 2.

Notably, Port Vale have kept clean sheets in two of their last three matches—a figure equal to their total number of clean sheets in the previous nine games. This indicates a significant improvement in the defense of the Vale Park side. After eliminating Championship representative Bristol City in the previous round, Port Vale can certainly believe in their ability to create another upset.

Additionally, the home team is also on a three-match unbeaten run at home, although they have only secured one victory during this period. However, Port Vale have failed to win within 90 minutes at Vale Park in their last seven attempts, which partly reflects their lack of stability.

On the other side, Sunderland are having a relatively positive season after returning to the Premier League. Manager Regis Le Bris's team has reached the 40-point milestone and is almost free from relegation worries, allowing them to focus more on the FA Cup.

Sunderland enter this match in good spirits following a 1-0 win at Leeds United earlier this week. However, their overall form has not been entirely stable, with only 2 wins in their last 4 matches. Sunderland's attack has also not been explosive, scoring only 4 goals in their last 6 games.

Nevertheless, the disparity in squad quality between the two teams remains substantial. Sunderland also hold a superior head-to-head record, having won all recent encounters against Port Vale. If they win this match, the "Black Cats" will extend their winning streak against this opponent to seven consecutive games.

With higher caliber and a stronger squad, Sunderland are expected to control the match. Port Vale will undoubtedly fight hard in front of their home fans, but Sunderland are likely to have enough strength to secure a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Squad Status for Port Vale vs Sunderland

Port Vale: Tyler Magloire's availability is uncertain after leaving the pitch in the match against Bristol City. The home side is likely to retain the core lineup that created the upset in the previous round.

Sunderland: Nordi Mukiele is absent due to injury. Manager Regis Le Bris can still field a strong lineup with key players such as Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra.

Expected Lineups for Port Vale vs Sunderland

Port Vale: Gauci; Campbell, Humphreys, Hall; Lawrence-Gabriel, Walters, Shipley, Gordon; Waine, Archer; Sherif.

Sunderland: Roefs; Geertruida, Alderete, Ballard, O'Nien; Diarra, Xhaka; Talbi, Le Fee, Angulo; Isidor.

Recent Form of Port Vale

04/03/2026: Port Vale 1-0 Bristol City (FA Cup)

28/02/2026: Port Vale 1-1 Luton (League One)

25/02/2026: Northampton 0-1 Port Vale (League One)

21/02/2026: Port Vale 1-1 Reading (League One)

18/02/2026: Stevenage 2-1 Port Vale (League One)

Recent Form of Sunderland

04/03/2026: Leeds 0-1 Sunderland (Premier League)

28/02/2026: Bournemouth 1-1 Sunderland (Premier League)

22/02/2026: Sunderland 1-3 Fulham (Premier League)

15/02/2026: Oxford Utd 0-1 Sunderland (FA Cup)

12/02/2026: Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)

Recent Head-to-Head History between Port Vale and Sunderland

11/08/2021: Port Vale 1-2 Sunderland (EFL Cup)

13/01/2021: Sunderland 2-0 Port Vale (EFL Trophy)

11/11/2018: Port Vale 1-2 Sunderland (FA Cup)

12/12/1998: Sunderland 2-0 Port Vale (Championship)

14/11/1998: Port Vale 0-2 Sunderland (Championship)

Prediction for the Port Vale vs Sunderland Result

Port Vale are in good form and recently created an upset in the previous round, but the disparity in quality between the two teams is evident. Sunderland are likely to control the game and utilize their experience to secure progression.

Predicted Score: Port Vale 1-3 Sunderland