Rare good news for Liam Rosenior as Chelsea hit seven

Rare good news for Liam Rosenior as Chelsea hit seven Last updated 04 April 2026 7:47pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Liam Rosenior watched his Chelsea side score seven past Port Vale at Stamford Bridge Credit: Ben Stansall/Getty Images Alex Connor live updates. Ivan Speck at Stamford Bridge Last updated 04 April 2026 7:47pm BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email It came as no surprise that Chelsea waltzed past the challenge of a side sitting 62 places below them and into the FA Cup semi-finals, yet their 7-0 victory over Port Vale brought welcome positive sensations back to Stamford Bridge. Too many recent Premier League defeats, a crushing Champions League exit and the niggling acrimony caused by the comments of Enzo Fernández have all sapped the enthusiasm in west London in recent weeks. Liam Rosenior had fronted up to the Fernández comments and his side did the same to their League One opponents so rapidly that the outcome of this tie was never seriously in doubt after the 64 seconds it took Jorrel Hato to put Chelsea in front. Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato celebrates opening the scoring at Stamford Bridge after just 64 seconds  Credit: Nigel French/PA As ever on occasions such as this, the good-natured humour of supporters of the lower-division side held sway as the colourful backdrop, but Chelsea avoided the potential for embarrassment with commendable application. Matches between Chelsea and Port Vale were a regular occurrence in the second half of the 1920s when the clubs met in the old Football League Division Two in five consecutive seasons. They had not met since. And they will certainly not be playing league fixtures again any time soon, not least because of Vale’s impending relegation to League Two, barring the most remarkable of escapes. They are 15 points of safety with only eight games left. However, they had matched seven league victories with seven wins in the Carabao and FA Cups this season, so the 6,000 supporters who filled the Shed End of Stamford Bridge did so with the most unlikely of dreams still teasing them. Unfortunately, any hope disappeared after barely a minute. Jon Brady’s side escaped the first flurries of Storm Dave as they travelled south from Burslem, yet there was soon a hurricane blowing towards their goal. Minus the chastised Fernández, Chelsea’s near full-strength side quickly won a corner. Enzo Fernández (left) watched on from the bench after being sanctioned by Rosenior Credit: Darren Walsh/Getty Images Neto swung over a delivery that had Vale keeper Joe Gauci struggling to reach with his attempted punch. The ball dropped towards the penalty spot and was immediately swept home left-footed by Hato. Perhaps sensing the ease of scoring at any moment, Rosenior’s side lapsed into possession football minus the penetration for the next 20 minutes. Indeed, they were a tad fortunate when Rhys Walters screwed a shot at the other end so far wide, it almost turned into a pass for Ben Waine at the far post. Then again, their patience was well-founded given the ease with which they went further ahead after 24 minutes. Neto controlled a looping Andrey Santos ball and picked out João Pedro, who turned with almost contemptuous ease and found the bottom corner. Joao Pedro doubles Chelsea's lead 🔥 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/AxL7vknBIw — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 Three minutes before half-time, it was 3-0. This time Pedro served up a shooting opportunity for Malo Gusto whose shot forced Gauci into a sprawling save. The ball ran free and as Chelsea’s captain for the day Cole Palmer closed in, Vale defender Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel could only divert it into his own net. Captain Palmer slots Chelsea 3-0 up ⚽ Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/3uU4fbIsvI — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 The Vale fans continued to enjoy their day. They have endured a torrid winter punctuated at far too regular intervals by the despair of another League One defeat that the concession of three first-half goals to a squad of players assembled at a cost their club can never imagine wasn’t going to put them off belting out song after song. Still they cheered defiantly when Tosin Adarabioyo headed in Chelsea’s fourth from a Gusto cross 12 minutes after the interval. “You’re off to Wembley, we’re off to York”, they sang with self-effacing humour, referring to next season’s potential League Two fixture against the current leaders of the National League, York City. Tosin makes it four and Chelsea are running riot 😅 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/UoJJTokr0B — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 And still the Chelsea goals went in. Estevao, who had struck the Port Vale post four minutes earlier, curled over a deep 69th-minute corner that was headed home at the far post by the unmarked Santos. It was substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s turn to strike the upright next and although an offside flag briefly ruled out Estavao’s follow-up, VAR quickly reinstated it for Chelsea’s sixth goal. A sixth for Chelsea and Stamford Bridge are loving this 😄 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/YRMKk6YX5q — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 Garnacho made it seven from the penalty spot after being clumsily tripped by Tyler Magloire. Garnacho converts from the spot, and Chelsea have SEVEN! ⚽ Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/j33mCY9pRd — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 And so, after sharing the pitch for 90 minutes, the clubs diverge. Manchester City await Chelsea next weekend. Vale face Rotherham on Tuesday night. Latest updates Alex Connor live updates. Ivan Speck at Stamford Bridge 7:45PM Rosenior reflects on Chelsea’s victory Link copied to clipboard Chelsea head coach Rosenior told BBC Sport:  “It’s great, it’s why you come to this club, you want to win trophies, you want to be in big games and I was really happy with the players. Their attitude was top.  “We scored seven goals and that came from an energy and intensity which I enjoyed. “This is a huge club with a lot of scrutiny, a lot of people writing a lot of things. We had a really difficult 10 days but the way we came through is a really good step for the run-in.” 7:30PM Tosin targets silverware Link copied to clipboard Speaking to BBC Sport, Tosin said: “Very good, great to play some nice football and to get another win and clean sheet at Stamford Bridge. It’s been a two-week break now since our last games which didn’t go so well and we wanted to come back home and put a good result in and that’s what we did. “It’s the FA Cup and anything can happen. We knew it was going to be difficult today if we didn’t do our best. They beat a Premier League team in the last round so we knew we had to put in a performance.” When asked about reaching the final, he replied: “Our aim is to get to the final and win the trophy.” 7:23PM Hato is pleased with Chelsea’s dominance Link copied to clipboard "I was lucky to score this one, I'm very happy." Chelsea goalscorer Hato reacts after finding the net ⚽ 🎙️ @LiamMacdevitt | 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/avJkoQgJGO — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 7:15PM FT: Chelsea 7 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Chelsea avoid the embarrassment of an upset as they thrash Port Vale 7-0 at Stamford Bridge to advance into the FA Cup semi-finals. The build-up was dominated by some members of Chelsea’s leadership group within the squad questioning the credentials of the project, but the hosts produced a professional performance. Early efforts from Hato and Joao Pedro, as well as a Port Vale own goal meant that Chelsea cruised into a three-goal lead at half-time. Second half strikes from Tosin, Andrey Santos, Estevao and Garnacho rounded off the eye-catching scoreline. This result means that Chelsea will join Manchester City in the semi-final draw. Garnacho celebrates after scoring Chelsea’s seventh goal against Port Vale Credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe 7:07PM GOAL! Garnacho buries the penalty Link copied to clipboard Garnacho won the penalty and he steps up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way, sealing Chelsea’s seventh goal of the contest. It’s been such a commanding performance from the Premier League side. Garnacho converts from the spot, and Chelsea have SEVEN! ⚽ Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/j33mCY9pRd — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 7:05PM PENALTY! Garnacho tripped and the referee points to the spot Link copied to clipboard Garnarcho is tripped by Magloire, who has only just come on, and the referee gives the penalty. 7:02PM 87 min: Chelsea 6 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Following that sixth goal, Estevao is crowned as the man of the match to cap an impressive individual performance. 7:00PM GOAL GIVEN! VAR intervenes and Estevao’s tap-in counts Link copied to clipboard After a review, Estevao is onside and Chelsea’s sixth goal is confirmed. A sixth for Chelsea and Stamford Bridge are loving this 😄 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/YRMKk6YX5q — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 6:57PM GOAL! Chelsea score but the offside flag is up Link copied to clipboard Chelsea have the ball in the net, but the offside flag is up. Andrey Santos slips in a pinpoint pass for the onrushing Garnacho. The former Manchester United man smacks a one-on-one effort off the post and the ball then trickles into Estevao’s path. The youngster capitalises on the rebound and taps into an empty net. VAR is checking to see if Esteavo is offside... 6:53PM 78 min: Chelsea 5 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Lavia has 78 minutes under his belt and he makes way for Kavuma-McQueen, who is making his senior Chelsea debut. What a lovely moment for the 17-year-old. What a moment as Chelsea's Kavuma-McQueen makes his debut, born in 2009 🤯 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/m19N1rlk1e — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 6:50PM 75 min: Chelsea 5 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Although Port Vale are bottom of League One, there was still a tremendous amount of pressure on this young Chelsea side and Rosenior. Nevertheless, Chelsea have managed the occasion professionally and will join Manchester City in the final four of this season’s FA Cup. 6:46PM Port Vale fans accept their fate Link copied to clipboard Ahh, the self-effacing humour of football fans. The Vale fans have just broken into a chorus of “You’re off to Wembley, we’re off to York.” That is York City, the current National League leaders, who may be facing their team in League Two next season. 6:44PM GOAL! Chelsea have a fifth through Andrey Santos Link copied to clipboard Estevao floats an inviting corner into the box. It flies over Gauci, who fails to claim it. It was such poor goalkeeping. The marking isn’t much better as Andrey Santos ghosts in at the back post and nods in from close range. Five for Chelsea! Wembley firmly in sight 🏆 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/JZ1x4qC6wI — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 6:40PM 66 min: Chelsea 4 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Estevao strikes the post again. The youngster has been so lively this evening. He cuts inside and fires a low effort at goal, which cannons off the near post. Estevao looks desperate to score today. 6:39PM Chelsea dip into their extraordinarily lucrative squad Link copied to clipboard Port Vale will be happy to see Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Neto leave the pitch after an hour. Less so that their replacements cost a combined £88.5m and are eager to join in the goal-fest. 6:37PM 62 min: Chelsea 4 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Rosenior refreshes his ranks and makes a triple change. Delap, Garnacho and Essugo come on for Joao Pedro, Neto and Palmer. 6:35PM 60 min: Chelsea 4 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is very relaxed now. Chelsea are popping the ball around with such confidence.  Gauci does well and makes an eye-catching double save to deny Estevao and Palmer. 6:33PM GOAL! Tosin adds a fourth for Chelsea Link copied to clipboard Neto cuts inside and unleashes a venomous strike at goal, which is parried out for a corner by Gauci. The resulting set piece is played short and Gusto eventually clips a cross to Tosin. The towering defender rises highest and heads into the bottom corner. Chelsea are heading to Wembley. This game is done and dusted. Tosin makes it four and Chelsea are running riot 😅 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/UoJJTokr0B — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 6:28PM 53 min: Chelsea 3 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard The home side are enjoying themselves now. Estevao and Andrey Santos are producing some excellent flicks and one-touch passes. Port Vale are defending desperately at times.  6:25PM 50 min: Chelsea 3 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Chelsea are so close to a fourth. The three Brazilians combine as Joao Pedro delightfully flicks the ball into Andrey Santos’ path. The midfielder spots Estevao’s run and picks out the young winger, whose first-time effort clips post.  6:22PM 47 min: Chelsea 3 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Garrity reaches a deep set piece and knocks the ball back into the danger zone towards Sherif. However, the striker’s attempt is well blocked by Tosin and Chelsea emerge with possession. 6:19PM 46 min: Chelsea 3 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard We are back under way for the second half. Both sides are unchanged at the break.  6:16PM Joao Pedro is in scintillating form Link copied to clipboard João Pedro has scored the most goals (12) out of any Premier League player in 2026 across all competitions 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/pH2xQEnYGO — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 6:10PM Port Vale have a mountain to climb Link copied to clipboard Half-time and almost certainly game over. This is too easy at times. Chelsea haven’t camped out in their opponents’ half, but when they have sensed a chance, they have sliced open the Port Vale defence with a few rapier-like thrusts. The final score might come down to how hungry Liam Rosenior’s players are given that they don’t have any Champions League fixtures left to drain their stamina in midweek 6:09PM HT: Chelsea 3 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard It’s half-time at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea leading 3-0 against Port Vale in this FA Cup quarter-final. Port Vale’s resistance was broken after just 64 seconds, when Hato powered Chelsea in front. Goals from Joao Pedro and Palmer extended Chelsea’s advantage and any chance of a Port Vale comeback looks nearly impossible now. Chelsea have stormed into a 3-0 lead over Port Vale  Credit: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images 6:03PM 45 min: Chelsea 3 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard There will be two minutes of added time at the end of this first half. Chelsea are in complete control thanks to that third goal. 6:01PM OWN GOAL! It goes from bad to worse for Port Vale Link copied to clipboard That is almost certainly the goal that ends the tie. Joao Pedro drives forward and tees up Gusto. The Frenchman’s powerful strike is parried out to Palmer by Gauci. Palmer reacts quickest and slams in a close range rebound to put Chelsea in seemingly unassailable control. However, upon the replays it looks like Port Vale defender Lawrence-Gabriel got the final touch and diverted the ball into his own net. Captain Palmer slots Chelsea 3-0 up ⚽ Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/3uU4fbIsvI — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 5:56PM Huge day out for the League One side Link copied to clipboard Port Vale’s average home attendance in a League One season that has provided little motivation to spend a Saturday afternoon at Vale Park is 7,432. That figure will nearly be matched today as 6,000 Valiants fill the Shed End. 5:55PM 38 min: Chelsea 2 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard There is some momentary worry as the injury-prone Lavia hits the deck after a forceful challenge. The Belgian was clutching his ankle but is back on his feet now. 5:52PM Port Vale’s defending was questionable for both goals Link copied to clipboard If the first goal failed to fully puncture the belief of the Port Vale side, the simplicity with which they conceded the second led to knowing looks among their defenders, as if to say: “Yep, this is going to be a long early evening.” 5:50PM 33 min: Chelsea 2 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Port Vale’s Sherif is shown the game’s first yellow card after catching Chelsea defender Fofana with a late sliding challenge. 5:49PM 31 min: Chelsea 2 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Port Vale are still waiting to register their first shot on target. Meanwhile, Chelsea have recorded two efforts on target, and they’ve both resulted in goals. 5:46PM 28 min: Chelsea 2 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard There is a break in play as Andrey Santos clashes heads with Sherif in Port Vale’s box. Both men are receiving treatment, but they look okay to continue. 5:43PM GOAL! Chelsea double their lead Link copied to clipboard Neto latches onto Andrey Santos’ looping ball, which spins off the ground. The winger then finds Joao Pedro with a low cross. The the Brazilian swivels and works some space, before calmly tucking an effort into the bottom corner. Joao Pedro doubles Chelsea's lead 🔥 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/AxL7vknBIw — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 5:40PM 22 min: Chelsea 1 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Gusto drives forward and picks out Palmer, who dribbles at the Port Vale backline. The playmaker works some space, but instead of shooting, he tries passing to Estevao and the chance disappears. Palmer not shooting in that situation could be a telling sign that he’s currently lacking confidence.  5:37PM 20 min: Chelsea 1 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Walters is cynically tripped by Lavia, who was a second late to that challenge. The Chelsea midfielder is perhaps lucky to escape a booking there. It gives Port Vale another chance to pump the ball into Chelsea’s box, but it comes to nothing.  5:35PM 17 min: Chelsea 1 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Chelsea’s team shows how seriously Rosenior is taking this match. Choosing to start Joao Pedro, Palmer and Neto displays real intent. That early goal from Hato has relieved some pressure on the hosts. 5:32PM 14 min: Chelsea 1 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard After that early flurry of Chelsea pressure, Port Vale look to be growing into the contest and are getting more bodies forward.  5:29PM 11 min: Chelsea 1 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Walters finds some space unleashes a shot. He drags the effort and it almost turns into a pass for Waine at the back post. However, the New Zealand international can’t quite reach it and Chelsea survive. Gusto had let his man drift in behind.  5:25PM 8 min: Chelsea 1 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard That early Chelsea goal has calmed the nerves and anxiety around Stamford Bridge. Port Vale have barely touched the ball in these opening stages.  5:22PM 4 min: Chelsea 1 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Chelsea work an intricate attacking move and the ball is pulled back to Palmer, but the captain’s close range effort is blocked by the Port Vale defence. The League One side are under some serious early pressure.  5:20PM GOAL! Chelsea make the early breakthrough Link copied to clipboard After just 64 seconds, Chelsea are ahead. Port Vale goalkeeper Gauci fails to deal with Neto’s corner, and at the second attempt, he weakly punches it to Hato. The Chelsea youngster then half volleys a low effort through a sea of bodies and it squirms into the net. It’s the perfect start for the Premier League side. Nightmare start for Port Vale as Hato gives Chelsea the lead ⚡ Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/M4wH1s2Db1 — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 5:17PM 1 min: Chelsea 0 Port Vale 0 Link copied to clipboard Port Vale get us under way at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are the overwhelming favourites, but this is the FA Cup, so anything can happen.  5:16PM The teams are walking out Link copied to clipboard Chelsea and Port Vale are out on the pitch, with kick off just moments away. Can Port Vale plunge Chelsea’s season into further turmoil?  5:10PM Lets hear what Rosenior has to say Link copied to clipboard "We have a huge opportunity to reach an FA Cup semi-final." Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior ahead of facing Port Vale at Stamford Bridge 💬 🎙️ @LiamMacdevitt | 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/kBiMDwmE8O — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 5:09PM Big night for Palmer Link copied to clipboard In the absence of Reece James and Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer has been chosen by Liam Rosenior to captain Chelsea this evening. Rosenior has selected Palmer as the Chelsea captain for the FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale Credit: Andrew Kearns/CameraSport via Getty Images 5:01PM What happened earlier on Saturday in the FA Cup? Link copied to clipboard Manchester City ripped Liverpool apart, smashing Arne Slot’s side 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland bagged a hat-trick, while Antoine Semenyo added the other as Mo Salah missed a penalty late in the second half. Man City cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup to book their place in the semi-finals Credit: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport via Getty Images 4:56PM Port Vale boss Brady in good spirits ahead of kick-off Link copied to clipboard Since Port Vale beat Sunderland in the fifth round on March 8th, they’ve lost four of their last six games in League One. However, all the focus is on the chaos surrounding Chelsea and Brady looks to be in a relaxed mood. "We tried to ask the FA if we could have 20 players on the pitch today." Port Vale boss Jon Brady jokes he might need 20 players to beat Chelsea today 😅 🎙️ @ReshminTV | 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/EE7IxnOcpK — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2026 4:51PM Their paths to this stage Link copied to clipboard Chelsea Third round: Charlton Athletic 1 Chelsea 5 Fourth round: Hull City 0 Chelsea 4 Fifth round: Wrexham 2 Chelsea 4 Port Vale First round: Port Vale 5 Maldon & Tiptree 1 Second round: Port Vale 1 Bristol Rovers 0 Third round: Port Vale 1 Fleetwood Town 0 Fourth round: Port Vale 1 Bristol City 0 Fifth round: Port Vale 1 Sunderland 0 4:46PM How Port Vale will line up Link copied to clipboard Ben Waine, who netted the winner in the 1-0 victory over Sunderland in the previous round, starts.  The boyhood Newcastle United fan recently returned from international duty with New Zealand and could be crucial this evening, if Port Vale are to cause an upset.  We expect the League One side to line up in a 5-3-2 formation, allowing them to soak up pressure and hopefully hit Chelsea on the counter or punish them at set pieces. 4:36PM Assessing Chelsea’s team news Link copied to clipboard With Reece James injured and Enzo Fernandez banned by the club, Cole Palmer captains Chelsea. Liam Rosenior has named an incredibly strong lineup, with Joao Pedro, Estevao and Pedro Neto all starting alongside Palmer in attack.  Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos begin the midfield pivot, with Moises Caicedo named on the bench. Marc Cucurella is amongst the substitutes following his revealing interview as Jorrel Hato is picked as the starting left back. 4:31PM Can Port Vale heap more pressure on Chelsea? Link copied to clipboard If the adage is true that you are only as good as your last game, then Port Vale have enjoyed 96 years, 363 days in which they could boast of their superiority over Chelsea. The clubs last met on April 6, 1929 with Vale triumphing 1-0 in the old Division 2. Logic says that particular high ground will be lost today as the side that is 15 points adrift of safety in League One attempt to tap into their incongruously glorious FA Cup form in an otherwise dismal season by overcoming Chelsea’s billion-pound squad at Stamford Bridge. 4:28PM The line-ups in full Link copied to clipboard Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Tosin, Hato, Lavia, Santos, Estevao, Palmer, Neto, Pedro. Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Sarr, Cucurella, Essugo, Caicedo, Garnacho, Kavuma-McQueen, Delap.  Port Vale: Gauci, Hall, Gabriel, Garrity, Walters, Ojo, Gordon, Waine, Sherif, John, Humphreys.  Subs: Amos, Stockley, Archer, Croasdale, Shipley, Campbell, G. Hall, Magloire, Gray.  4:25PM Port Vale team news Link copied to clipboard Your Valiants to take on Chelsea in this afternoon's @EmiratesFACup Quarter-Final! 🏆#PVFC | @TheTurmericCo pic.twitter.com/48jUu22kK5 — Port Vale Football Club (@OfficialPVFC) April 4, 2026 4:24PM Chelsea team news Link copied to clipboard Your Chelsea team news today! ✊#CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/ZvjlJ6CtYZ — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 4, 2026 4:23PM Fernandez’s agent feels the punishment is “too harsh” Link copied to clipboard Fernandez’s agent, former PSG midfielder Javier Pastore, told The Athletic: “I think it’s far too harsh given Chelsea’s current situation, and there’s no real reason or justification for why he’s been banned.” Fernandez won’t feature for Chelsea against Port Vale or Manchester City Credit: Ian Walton/AP 4:10PM Is a shock on the cards? Link copied to clipboard Good evening and welcome to our next instalment of the FA Cup quarter-finals as Chelsea host Port Vale at Stamford Bridge. It’s the club sixth in the Premier League versus the side rooted to the bottom of the third tier. As we’ve just returned from an international break, you would assume it was a quiet week for Chelsea? Well, it’s been quite the opposite. Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed that Enzo Fernandez has been given a two-game ban because of his controversial comments regarding his future, meaning he will miss this match and next week’s league meeting with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Following the demoralising 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, vice-captain Fernandez plunged his Chelsea future into doubt, telling ESPN Argentina he didn’t know if he would stay at the club. In the international break, he fuelled Real Madrid links by saying: “I really like Madrid - it’s similar to Buenos Aires.” Marc Cucurella was also vocal in the media, criticising Chelsea’s ownership and questioning the club’s project. The 27-year-old disagreed with Enzo Maresca’s sacking in January, feeling it created “instability” and said that only signing young players will “complicate” chances of winning major trophies. Unlike Fernandez, Cucurella escaped any noteworthy punishment and is available for selection this evening. Alongside this drama and their Champions League exit, Chelsea have also suffered back-to-back Premier League losses without scoring against Newcastle United and Everton. For Port Vale, things are looking even bleaker from a league standpoint. They’re bottom of League One, 15 points adrift of safety, although they do have two games in hand over 20th-place Wigan Athletic. Nevertheless, the FA Cup has been a glorious and welcome avenue of escapism for Port Vale, who are plotting a giant-killing. Jon Brady’s side beat Sunderland in the previous round, and with all eyes on Chelsea, Port Vale could rip up the script and pile even more pressure on their top-flight opponents. Kick-off is at 5:15 BST, with line-ups on the way shortly.