The Valiants return to Emirates FA Cup action on Tuesday as we welcome Bristol City to Vale Park, with both sides looking to book their place in the Fifth Round against Sunderland.
Jon Brady’s side comes into Tuesday’s cup clash following a 1-1 draw with Play-Off hopefuls Luton Town. Nakhi Wells gave the Hatters an early lead, but Vale got their deserved equaliser on the half-hour mark through Ben Waine.
Post Luton Thoughts:
Here’s what the gaffer had to say regarding Saturday’s result:
“Overall, it was two teams trying to go for the win really. I think a draw is a fair result. I feel it was a good performance again from our boys”.
Our Opponents
Bristol City have been a staple in the Championship for ten years following their 99-point League One winning campaign back in 2015. The Robins did reach the Play-Offs last season, but were defeated in the semi-finals by Sheffield United. The visitors reached the final of the FA Cup back in 1909, but fell to a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.
They currently sit in 10th position in the Championship, seven points outside the playoff spots. City have had an inconsistent season up to this point, winning fourteen and losing thirteen of their thirty-five games. They come into Tuesday’s game following a 2-1 defeat at home to Watford.
Bristol City reached the fourth round of the FA Cup after beating Watford 5-1.
The Opposition Dugout
The man in charge of the Robins is Gehard Struber. The Austrian was appointed at the start of the season following the departure of Liam Manning.
The 49-year-old began his post-playing career as Assistant Manager at RB Salzburg. After spells at FC Liefering and Wolfsberger in Austria, he made the move to England to become manager of Barnsley.
Following a year in Yorkshire, Struber spent three years at New York Red Bulls and then a year in Germany with FC Koln before being hired as the Bristol City boss.
Player to Watch
A player for Vale fans to look out for on Tuesday is attacking midfielder Scott Twine. Scott hit double digits for goals last time out against Watford and has also contributed with six assists so far this campaign. City’s number ten is in good form, scoring two goals in his two outings.
Fixture Throwback
Port Vale 3-0 Bristol City, 28th August 2004
The last time Vale defeated Tuesday’s visitors was back in 2004 when legendary player Martin Foyle was in charge of the club.
Foyle’s side got the opening goal of the game with thirty-seven minutes on the clock when Craig James found the back of net. Shortly after this, Vale doubled their lead through Stephen Brooker’s strike.
The Valiants started the second half in similar fashion to the first and got their third and final goal of the game with twenty-five minutes left as Ian Armstrong secured all three points.
