The FA Cup returns this weekend as Chelsea take on Port Vale in one of three quarter-final ties that take place on Saturday. The game can be seen live on BBC1 at 5:15pm BST, and below you can find our match preview and best bets for the occasion.
Best bets & predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both Teams to Score: Yes | 13/10 @ Bet365 (43.5%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Chelsea have enjoyed a relatively straightforward route to this stage of the FA Cup, coming through ties against Charlton, Hull City and Wrexham, all from outside the Premier League. However, they did concede in two of those matches against Charlton and Wrexham, which suggests there may be opportunities for their opponents again. With that in mind, backing both teams to score looks a sensible option for this clash with Port Vale.. |
| Pedro Neto to Score First | 13/2 @ Betfred (13.3%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Pedro Neto is Chelsea’s top scorer in this season’s FA Cup and looks a strong option to find the net again. He hit a hat trick in the win over Hull and now has 10 goals in all competitions this season. With Liam Rosenior likely to name a strong side as Chelsea look to respond, Neto should get plenty of chances and is well worth backing to score. |
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How both teams head into Chelsea vs Port Vale
Chelsea’s 2025/26 FA Cup campaign has been relatively smooth so far, with Liam Rosenior’s side progressing through the early rounds with strong attacking displays. They began with a convincing 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic before comfortably dispatching Hull City 4-0 in the fourth round, with Pedro Neto scoring a standout hat trick.
The fifth round proved more challenging, as Chelsea were pushed all the way by Wrexham before securing a 4-2 extra-time victory to reach the quarter finals. Despite conceding in multiple matches, Chelsea have consistently found goals, scoring at least four in two of their ties so far. Now into the last eight, where they face Port Vale, the Blues remain strong contenders to lift the trophy for the ninth time in their history.
Port Vale have enjoyed a remarkable FA Cup run in 2025/26, producing a series of disciplined and resilient performances to reach the quarter finals. They began with a 5-1 win over Maldon & Tiptree, before edging past Bristol Rovers and Fleetwood Town with narrow 1-0 victories. Their fourth round tie saw another tight contest, as they beat Bristol City 1-0 after extra time, highlighting their ability to grind out results in difficult matches.
The standout moment came in the fifth round, where Port Vale stunned Premier League side Sunderland with a 1-0 win, courtesy of Ben Waine’s goal. It marked their first FA Cup quarter final appearance since 1954 and continued a run that has seen them win five ties while conceding very few goals.
Chelsea team news
Chelsea head into their FA Cup quarter final with a number of injury concerns, although the situation has improved compared to earlier in the season. Reece James is ruled out with a hamstring issue, while Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah also remain sidelined in defence. Mykhaylo Mudryk is unavailable through suspension, and Filip Jorgensen is out with a groin injury. Benoit Badiashile and Jamie Gittens are both doubts
Port Vale team news
Port Vale head into their FA Cup quarter final with a couple of key absentees to contend with. Ben Heneghan and midfielder George Byers are both ruled out, limiting their options in defence and midfield.
Head-to-head
Chelsea and Port Vale have previously met on 14 occasions. However, the most recent of those was all the way back in 1929 when Port Vale came out 1-0 winners. The teams have only ever played each other when in the old second division in the early 20th century.
Conclusion
The FA Cup presents Liam Rosenior with a chance to win a trophy and we expect him to name a relatively strong side against League One strugglers on Saturday. However, we think 13/10 for both teams to score looks a little too big of a price. While punters looking for something at longer odds, could opt for a tasty looking 13/2 on Pedro Neto to open to scoring at Stamford Bridge.
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