Sunderland XI vs Port Vale – Predicted lineup and team news

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·8 March 2026

Sunderland XI vs Port Vale – Predicted lineup and team news

Sunderland travel to Vale Park today, aiming to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years while navigating a severe squad shortage.

The Black Cats have moved into the fifth round with momentum following a massive 1–0 Premier League win at Leeds United on Tuesday night. Manager Régis Le Bris oversaw a disciplined defensive performance in the derby and now faces a Port Vale team Sunderland have beaten in each of their last six encounters. Notably, Sunderland are into the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

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Régis Le Bris manages a squad severely depleted by both disciplinary issues and a growing injury list. Notably, 10 senior players are ruled out today, including the suspended duo of Trai Hume and Noah Sadiki.

Consequently, the manager will have to lean on a smaller group of available first-team players, but he has insisted he will still field the “best XI possible”. The defence is particularly thin, with Dennis Cirkin, Reinildo, and Nordi Mukiele all sidelined.

Ellborg is expected to start in goal, protected by a defensive line featuring Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete. In midfield, the experienced Granit Xhaka will likely partner Enzo Le Fee to provide stability. However, the coach might limit his minutes as he fully reintegrates into the squad following an injury.

Chris Rigg and Nilson Angulo are poised to start in creative roles, supporting Isidor in attack. Notably, Sunderland have yet to score an open-play goal in this season’s FA Cup, with both of their strikes coming from set-pieces—a throw-in and a penalty.