Chelsea welcomes Port Vale for their FA Cup clash later today. Discover the full squad updates below…
Port Vale possesses a remarkable opportunity today to achieve the improbable and progress to an FA Cup semi-final.
Achieving this feat necessitates a victory over Chelsea, a result that would undoubtedly constitute one of the most monumental cup upsets seen in many seasons.
The visiting side occupies the lowest position in League One and are almost guaranteed to face demotion to the lowest division of the English football league. Yet, such difficulties have been conspicuously absent in their cup campaign, demonstrated by their triumphs against Championship team Bristol City and top-flight club Sunderland in their two most recent fixtures.
Journeying to Stamford Bridge presents a considerably greater challenge. The Blues, under Liam Rosenior’s guidance, have suffered defeats in their last four consecutive matches across all tournaments and perceive this as a prime opportunity to secure a trophy this campaign.
Updates on Chelsea’s Squad
Enzo Fernandez will be absent for Chelsea, commencing a two-game suspension decreed by the club due to comments the Argentine player uttered concerning his desire to reside in Madrid. Willian Estevao will feature as his replacement.
Additionally, two further alterations have been made to the lineup that suffered a 3-0 defeat at Everton prior to the recent international interval.
Marc Cucurella is unavailable, making way for Tosin Adarabioyo. Jorrel Hato has been redeployed from a central role to left-back. Andrey Santos steps in for Moises Caicedo in the heart of the midfield.
Cole Palmer assumes the role of captain.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Tosin, Hato, Lavia, Santos, Estevao, Palmer, Joao Pedro.
Port Vale’s Squad Updates
Port Vale are contending with their own injury concerns, as Ben Heneghan and Jayden Stockley are sidelined.
Port Vale: Gauci, Hall, Gabriel, Garrity, Walter, Ojo, Gordon, Waine, Sherif, John, Humphreys
Viewing Options for Chelsea v Port Vale: Television Channels, Live Webcasts
The match commences on Saturday at 17:15 BST (12:15 ET / 09:15PT). In the UK, direct broadcast is available via BBC One, BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and the HBO Max app.
TNT Sports is priced at £30.99 monthly and can be accessed across numerous devices, encompassing smart televisions and video game systems.
Statistics for Chelsea v Port Vale
- Chelsea have been defeated in their four most recent fixtures across all tournaments
- The Blues have emerged victorious in their six most recent FA Cup quarter-final encounters
- Chelsea have secured triumphs in their preceding 37 cup games when facing teams from lower divisions
- Port Vale have achieved victory in five successive FA Cup games during the current campaign
- Port Vale represent the side with the lowest ranking still participating in the tournament