The Stamford Bridge giants, under Maresca, managed to climb to fourth in the Premier League and consecutively win the Conference League and even the Club World Cup. However, he parted ways with the club right at New Year. Under Rosenior, they lost in the League Cup semi-final and in the first round of the Champions League playoffs. The team has also struggled to secure a place in the Premier League’s top four. In the last round, they lost 0-3 to Everton!
The team from Stoke-on-Trent was promoted to League One last season. However, they are performing poorly, sitting bottom of the table by a wide margin. Aware of this, it seems they have all but given up on the fight in the league. They even lost 0-4 to Wycombe.
Nevertheless, the cup run has been surprising. Port Vale have already beaten five opponents, including four in a row: Bristol Rovers, Fleetwood Town, Bristol City, and, in March, Sunderland. The London stars thrashed Charlton and Hull, but against Wrexham were behind 0-1 and 1-2, only squeezing past the Welsh side in extra time.
Previous Matches: Chelsea vs Port Vale
This will be their first head-to-head encounter.
The visitors’ fairytale cup run should end here. The top club, stung by recent spring setbacks, is expected to win at home with a -2.5 goals handicap (odds – 1.60).
Chelsea vs Port Vale: Key Statistics and Trends
Chelsea have lost five of their last eight matches
On average, Chelsea score 1.71 goals and concede 1.23 goals per match
65% of Chelsea’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per game is 2.94
Port Vale have lost three of their last four matches
The club scores an average of 0.76 goals per game and concedes 1.42
Chelsea vs Port Vale: Probable Starting Lineups
Chelsea’s likely formation is 1-3-4-2-1: Sanchez – Badiashile, Adarabioyo, Sarr – Hato, Garnacho, Neto, Lavia, Santos, Achimpong – Delap. Chalobah, James, Jorgensen, and Colwill are out injured.
Port Vale’s likely formation is 1-5-4-1: Goss – Gordon, Hall, Humphrys, John, Lawrence-Gabriel – Archer, Ojo, Walters, Waine – Brown.
