Instant impact: Jorrel Hato scored for Chelsea against Port Vale inside the first minute
Chelsea are strong favourites to reach the FA Cup semi-finals as they host Port Vale at Stamford Bridge. The Blues will be expected to make light work of opponents who sit bottom of League One in their first meeting since 1929, ending a slump that has seen them lose four matches in a row across all competitions. Out of the Champions League and with a tough task to reach the Premier League’s top four, this competition could offer salvation during a difficult season.
Chelsea are without Enzo Fernandez, who has been dropped for two games as a result of recent comments that cast doubt on his future at the club. Skipper Reece James is also still sidelined as Liam Rosenior ponders his selection against a Port Vale side who are all but certain to be back in the fourth tier next term, sitting 15 points adrift of safety with eight games left.
It has been a hugely disappointing 150th anniversary campaign for the Valiants, though they are into the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years after stunning Sunderland and will be backed by 6,000 travelling fans. Follow Chelsea vs Port Vale live below!
Chelsea vs Port Vale latest news
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Port Vale | Joao Pedro 25'
25 mins: Chelsea double their lead!
Gordon is completely caught out by Neto following a lofted pass into the Port Vale box.
Neto spins and picks out Joao Pedro, who takes a touch, feints to fool John and then expertly picks his spot in the back of the net.
Chelsea look to be cruising into the FA Cup semi-finals.
Chelsea 1-0 Port Vale
21 mins: Really good defending that from Port Vale right-back Gabriel, up against Estevao.
No easy task.
Chelsea 1-0 Port Vale
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
"Who are ya?", cry the Port Vale fans as Estevao is tackled in the final third and a goal kick is given.
God love English football.
Chelsea 1-0 Port Vale
19 mins: Palmer’s clever movement aside, there has been a curious lack of intensity from Chelsea since Hato’s early goal - and the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is non-existent at the moment.
Lavia rashly brings down Walters on the break, but Port Vale can’t make anything of another free-kick opportunity.
Chelsea 1-0 Port Vale
14 mins: Port Vale have largely settled well since going behind inside the first minute, to their credit.
Humphreys’ deep free-kick delivery from the right flank is headed well wide by Connor Hall.
Palmer is causing them plenty of problems at the other end.
Chelsea 1-0 Port Vale
10 mins: Port Vale’s first attack of the game as Sherif beats Tosin to a bouncing ball all too easily and Walters’ dragged low effort to the back post from outside the box just evades Waine.
That was a real chance to hit back quickly.
Chelsea 1-0 Port Vale
8 mins: Determined defending from John to prevent the lively Palmer from getting a cross in from the Chelsea left and then earning Port Vale a pressure-relieving free-kick.
Chelsea 1-0 Port Vale
5 mins: Stunned Port Vale need to regroup here and fast as Chelsea ease into the box again, with Palmer looking dangerous early on.
This time they are kept at bay.
Chelsea 1-0 Port Vale
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
Well, that didn't take long. At all.
That's Hato's third goal under Rosenior, and his third goal for Chelsea. It's the perfect start.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Port Vale | Jorrel Hato 2'
2 mins: Wow - that certainly didn’t take long!
Chelsea force an early corner and Hato drives home the loose ball after Port Vale goalkeeper Gauci fails to clear with two attempted punches with the six-yard box packed.
Just the start Rosenior will have wanted. A huge mountain to climb already for the Valiants.