🏏 Tue, 3 Mar 2026 19:45 GMT
Port Vale
vs
Bristol City
3-4-2-1 vs 3-4-2-1
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- An FA Cup third-round replay in which League Two side Port Vale host Championship side Bristol City. With two divisions between them, it is a chance for Port Vale to pull off a giant-killing against higher-ranked opposition.
- Both teams set up with a back three, making it a mirror match. Port Vale line up in a 3-4-2-1 and Bristol City also in a 3-4-2-1, so the battle of the wing-backs and the positioning of the second strikers look likely to decide the outcome.
- Port Vale goalkeeper Joe Gauci is an Australia international on loan from Aston Villa. His shot-stopping and handling of high balls, making use of his 194cm frame, are his weapons, and how far he can shut down Bristol City's attack holds the key.
- Bristol City's Mark Sykes is named on the bench, and he is a former Port Vale player. Returning to his old club's home ground as an opponent, it will be a tie he plays with special feelings.
- Bristol City station Sinclair Armstrong as a lone striker, with Delano Burgzorg and Scott Twine forming the second line as shadow strikers. Twine is also a quality set-piece taker, making him a threat to Port Vale's defence.
- Port Vale's bench includes Andre Gray. The veteran forward, who once played for Premier League side Burnley and came through the Tottenham academy, is expected to be deployed as a late-game impact player, making use of his wealth of experience.
- For a League Two club, a deep FA Cup run would be a landmark moment in the club's history. Watch whether Port Vale can turn the home support into energy and overcome Championship side Bristol City.