Match Progress and Early Action
10 mins: O’Nien advances from left-back as Sunderland attempts to assert control. The ball remains frequently airborne.
8 mins: Sunderland appears to have adjusted tactics, launching several long balls down the channels recently. There is intense competition for second balls.
VAR confirms Kyle John did not handle the ball, allowing play to continue.
Both penalty areas have seen considerable activity so far.
5 mins: Port Vale nearly score from a corner. Mayenda seemed poised to head the ball in, but it deflected off a Port Vale player and struck the woodwork.
VAR is reviewing a potential handball incident.
4 mins: Sunderland is encountering difficulties playing out from the back. Melker Ellborg miscontrols the ball a couple of times, suggesting this approach may not be optimal today.
2 mins: Port Vale create a half-chance from a corner as Connor Hall flicks a half-volley towards goal, but it lacks pace and is comfortably collected by Ellborg.
1 min: The pitch at Vale Park shows significant muddy patches, which have been problematic despite summer repair work. Jon Brady noted the condition has deteriorated, but it might benefit Port Vale.
Archer wins an early corner for the home side.
The players have entered the much-discussed Vale Park pitch, with walk-on music by Robbie Williams, although the Take That star is not present.
Pre-Match Context and Team News
Port Vale supporters receive encouraging news as Northampton, second from bottom in League One and eight points ahead of Vale, are currently losing 1-0 at AFC Wimbledon. Northampton is also Jon Brady’s former club.
Escaping relegation this season may prove more challenging for Port Vale than defeating Sunderland.
Vale Park is filling well ahead of kickoff. On Friday, 10,000 tickets had been sold, with an expected attendance exceeding 12,000 in a stadium that holds approximately 16,000. The ground has only been full once this season, during the Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal in September.
Another live football event this Sunday lunchtime is the Old Firm derby, a crucial Scottish Premiership title decider, with Alex Reid providing updates.
Andre Gray’s Insights and Historical Notes
Andre Gray scored his only Premier League hat-trick against Sunderland while playing for Burnley in 2016. He still displays the match ball at home.
Gray has shared advice with younger teammates about facing top-flight opponents:
"It’s a completely different level. You think you’re strong, you think you’re fast, you think you’re smart… until we come across these teams and you realise they’re stronger, they’re faster and they’re smarter.
But the good thing is, and the reason we love the game, is giant-killings, moments like this. That’s why FA Cup games are different. They’re going to come here and they’re not going to enjoy playing against a League One team. It’s possible, it’s always possible."
I visited Vale Park on Friday to speak with Jon Brady and Andre Gray about today’s match. Brady fondly recalls scoring in the FA Cup at Sheffield United for Rushden and Diamonds in 1999, while Gray is a former finalist with Watford in the competition (though the 2019 final score is best left unmentioned).
My preview article is available for further reading; apologies for the self-promotion.
Team Formations and Lineups
Since taking charge in early January, Jon Brady has typically deployed Port Vale in a 3-4-3 formation, which is expected again today. Experienced forwards Onel Hernández (former Norwich winger) and Andre Gray (ex-Burnley and Watford striker), both recent additions, are on the bench.
Sunderland have named a relatively strong side despite injury concerns, lining up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Granit Xhaka is on the bench, and the lineup differs by only two players from the team that won at Leeds midweek, with Noah Sadiki and Trai Hume omitted.
Port Vale: Gauci; John, Humphreys, C.Hall; Lawrence-Gabriel, Walters, Ojo, Gordon; Waine, Archer, Brown.
Subs: Amos, Headley, Campbell, Ward, G.Hall, Magloire, Gray, Hernández.
Sunderland: Ellborg; O’Nien, Ballard, Alderete, Geetruida; Rigg, Le Fée, Talbi; Diarra, Angulo; Mayenda.
Subs: Moore, Isidor, Abdullahi, Aleksic, Xhaka, J.Jones, Whittaker, H.Jones, Geragusyan.
FA Cup Fifth Round Context and Expectations
No upsets have occurred in the FA Cup fifth round so far, placing the spotlight on Port Vale, who secured their place with an extra-time victory over Bristol City on Tuesday. Vale have not reached this stage since 1996, when they famously defeated holders Everton at Vale Park.
Given Port Vale’s position at the bottom of League One and Sunderland’s strong Premier League form, an upset appears unlikely. However, the unpredictability of the FA Cup remains a compelling aspect of the competition.
This tie may lack glamour, but it embodies the essence of the FA Cup’s magic.
A healthy crowd is anticipated in Burslem, with Sunderland aiming to join Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City in the quarter-finals.
Team news will be provided shortly, with kickoff scheduled for 1:30 pm GMT.
Stay tuned for comprehensive buildup and minute-by-minute updates. On a challenging Vale Park pitch and with the hosts having little to lose, this match promises to be intriguing.
