Liam Rosenior speaking at a Press Conference
Liam Rosenior's Chelsea take on Port Vale at Stamford Bridge (Image: Getty)
All you need to know to watch Chelsea face Port Vale in the FA Cup
Chelsea vs Port Vale date and time: This FA Cup quarter-final encounter is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, with the match kicking off at 5.15pm BST. This late afternoon fixture at Stamford Bridge is part of a packed schedule of FA Cup action across the weekend.
How to watch in the UK: Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the game on free-to-air television through BBC One, where live coverage is set to begin at 5pm BST. The tie is also being broadcast on TNT Sports 1, featuring a more extensive pre-match build-up that starts at 4.30pm BST.
Live stream options: For those preferring to watch online in the UK, the match will be available via the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website at no extra cost for TV licence holders. Alternatively, TNT Sports subscribers can a stream of the game through the HBO Max app and official website.
How to watch in the US: Fans across the Atlantic can follow the action exclusively on ESPN+, which holds the US rights for the competition. You will need a paid subscription to the platform to view the live streams, which are typically offered with both English and Spanish commentary options.
Radio coverage: UK radio commentary for the fixture will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live, ensuring fans can stay up to date even if they aren't near a screen. Chelsea also provides its own dedicated commentary via the club's official website and mobile app, with the stream going live five minutes before the first whistle.
Chelsea team news: Blues boss Liam Rosenior could welcome back Benoit Badiashile and Jamie Gittens, though Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill remain out of action with injuries. Captain Reece James is currently a doubt and will face a late fitness test following a hamstring issue. Enzo Fernandez, however, will miss the game due to disciplinary reasons.
Port Vale team news: The visiting Valiants travel to London without the services of injured pair George Byers and Jayden Stockley, meaning they will lean heavily on the experience of Andre Gray and goalkeeper Ben Amos. After pulling off a shock 1-0 win against Sunderland in the previous round, the League One side are dreaming of another historic giant-killing.
Head-to-head record: The two teams have faced off 14 times, with Chelsea claiming seven victories to Port Vale’s three, alongside four draws. While the Blues have the superior record, this match represents a rare meeting between the sides, as they have not played a competitive fixture against each other since 1929.
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