The Valiants welcome Premier League side, Sunderland, to Burslem on Sunday in the Fifth Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Jon Brady’s side come into Sunday’s clash with Sunderland following extra-time drama against Bristol City on Tuesday evening in the Fourth Round. A Ben Waine strike in the 112th minute of the game ensured the Valiants progressed to the Fifth Round for the first time in thirty years.
Post Bristol City Thoughts:
“The work ethic, the connection, out of possession and we gave up a lot of possession, but we had the bigger chances. I’m really pleased for the players and for the fans to have some joy tonight.”
Our Opponents
Sunderland have a rich history in English football, winning this very competition on two occasions, with the most recent being in 1973 after they beat Leeds United 1-0 in the final.
The Black Cats were an established Premier League in the early 2000’s period but suffered back to back relegations in 2018 and 2019 to find themselves in League One. Following four years in League One, Sunderland eventually got back into the Championship before returning to Wembley last season in the Championship playoff final against Sheffield United and coming out 2-1 winners to secure a return to England’s top division.
The travelling Sunderland supporters will make a round trip of close to eight hours to watch their side on Sunday. This will be Sunderland’s first trip to Vale Park in over five years, with the last result that day going the way of Sunday’s visitors.
The Opposition Dugout
Regis Le Bris is the man in charge of the Wearside outfit, having taken over in 2024 following Mike Dodds’ four-month interim spell at the club. Since his appointment, the Frenchman has taken charge of eighty-three games, winning thirty-five of those, and leading his side to the Premier League.
Le Bris began his managerial career with FC Lorient U19s in 2012 before progressing through the club and eventually becoming first-team manager in 2022. Following a good first season in Ligue 1, Regis did, unfortunately, suffer relegation with his side, but then secured a move to England later that summer.
Player to Watch
Granit Xhaka is a player Vale fans will be aware of from his previous time in England, and could well have an influence on Sunday’s contest.
Xhaka is one of Sunderland’s highest-performing players so far this season and is the club's top creator. The midfielder has also contributed with one goal in this campaign, which came in a 1-1 draw with Everton back in November.
Fixture Throwback
Port Vale 3-1 Sunderland, 23rd August 1997
Vale and Sunderland haven’t played each other a lot in recent history, but the Valiants did come out on top when the two sides met in 1997.
Rowan Mills gave the Vale an early lead in this encounter after he headed home a cross from the left-hand side. Vale doubled their advantage five minutes before half-time when Anthony Naylor scored a delightful half-volley from just outside the penalty area.
Naylor doubled his tally for the afternoon with just under twenty minutes to play at Vale Park, and it was another special goal. Vale’s number ten back-heeled the ball past his defender and made a darting run towards goal before unleashing a pile driver into the top right corner.
The visitors did get a consolation goal shortly after through Kevin Phillips, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, and Vale came away with all three points.
