Chelsea Starting XI vs Port Vale: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea vs Port Vale: Fernandez Absence Dominates FA Cup Build-Up

Fernandez Ban Shakes Chelsea Plans

There will be no Enzo Fernandez when Chelsea host Port Vale in the FA Cup due to a punishment handed down by the club. The midfielder has been omitted by head coach Liam Rosenior for both this cup tie and the upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester City. The decision follows disciplinary concerns after “unprovoked comments he has made”, which have cast doubt over his long term future at Stamford Bridge.

Photo IMAGO

Across three recent interviews, Fernandez suggested uncertainty over his Chelsea career and appeared to encourage interest from Real Madrid. Rosenior acted swiftly, issuing a two match ban on Friday morning, a move that signals authority and reinforces dressing room standards.

Rotation Expected Against Port Vale

Chelsea approach this fixture as heavy favourites against a Port Vale side struggling at the foot of League One. Yet the absence of Fernandez, combined with fixture congestion, points towards a reshuffled starting eleven. Senior figures such as Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo could be rested or used sparingly.

This opens opportunities for emerging and fringe players. Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile and Liam Delap are all pushing for starts, while midfield options include Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos.

Injury Picture Remains Mixed

There is encouragement for Chelsea with Estevao and Jamie Gittens returning from hamstring issues. However, injuries continue to disrupt defensive stability. Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah remain sidelined, while Levi Colwill is back in training but not yet match ready following his ACL recovery. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is also a doubt after minor groin surgery.

Predicted Chelsea Line Up and Match Details

Chelsea predicted XI, 4-2-3-1, Sanchez, Acheampong, Fofana, Badiashile, Hato, Lavia, Essugo, Estevao, Santos, Garnacho, Delap.

Kick off is set for 5:15pm BST on Saturday, April 4, 2026, as Chelsea aim to progress comfortably against Port Vale despite off field distractions.