The fourth round of the FA Cup brings an intriguing clash between Port Vale and Bristol City at Vale Park. This encounter marks their first-ever meeting in this competition, with both sides eager to progress further in the tournament. While the hosts are struggling in their domestic league, the visitors are enjoying a more stable campaign in the Championship. The contrast in form and division level adds an extra layer of intrigue to this knockout tie.

Port Vale’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Port Vale enter this FA Cup fixture amid a difficult period in their league campaign. Anchored at the bottom of England’s third tier, they find themselves 11 points adrift of safety. Their most recent league outing ended in a 2-2 home draw against Burton Albion on February 7, 2026, followed by a heavy 4-0 defeat to Stockport County in the EFL Trophy. Despite these setbacks, the Valiants have shown a different face in the FA Cup, where they remain unbeaten this season.

In the current FA Cup campaign, Port Vale have recorded three wins from three matches, scoring an average of 2.7 goals per game while conceding just 0.3. Their journey began with a dominant 5-1 victory over Maldon & Tiptree, followed by further wins against Bristol Rovers and Fleetwood. This impressive cup form contrasts sharply with their league struggles, suggesting that the knockout format may be bringing out their best performances.

• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 defeats


• Average goals scored: 0.8 | Average conceded: 1.8


• FA Cup record: W 3 · D 0 · L 0


• Last head-to-head vs Bristol City: 1-3 defeat (February 10, 2015)

Historically, Port Vale have found it difficult against Bristol City, failing to win any of their last five meetings (0 wins, 1 draw, 4 defeats). They have also gone four home matches without a victory against the Robins, which could weigh on their confidence heading into this tie.

Bristol City’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Bristol City arrive at Vale Park with ambitions of maintaining their momentum in both league and cup competitions. Currently pushing for a Championship playoff spot, they have accumulated 26 points and sit just one point shy of the top six. Their latest league match was a thrilling 3-2 away win over Hull City on February 7, 2026, a result that helped them bounce back from a disappointing 5-0 defeat to Derby County.

In the FA Cup, the Robins began their campaign in the third round with an emphatic 5-1 home victory over Watford, showcasing their attacking prowess. They have averaged 5.0 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per match in the competition so far, underlining their offensive strength. Although their recent form across all competitions has been mixed — 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in their last five outings — their ability to score consistently makes them a dangerous opponent.

• Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.0 | Average conceded: 1.8


• FA Cup record: W 1 · D 0 · L 0


• Unbeaten in last 9 head-to-heads vs Port Vale (8 wins, 1 draw)

Bristol City’s dominance in this fixture is undeniable. They have not lost to Port Vale in their last nine meetings, winning eight of them. This psychological edge, combined with their superior league status, could prove decisive in this FA Cup encounter.

Port Vale vs Bristol City Analysis and Prediction

This FA Cup tie presents a classic underdog story. Port Vale will rely on their home support and cup momentum to challenge a higher-tier opponent, while Bristol City will aim to impose their quality and experience. The hosts’ defensive discipline in the competition so far will be tested by the visitors’ attacking flair, which produced five goals in their previous FA Cup outing.

Statistically, the matchup leans slightly in favor of the visitors. Port Vale’s average of 0.8 goals per game in recent matches contrasts with Bristol City’s more balanced offensive output. The Robins’ strong head-to-head record and higher division experience suggest they are better equipped to handle the pressure of knockout football. However, the Valiants’ unbeaten FA Cup run and home advantage could make this a closer contest than expected.

Given the data, a tight match with limited scoring opportunities seems likely. The Under 2.5 goals trend (55% probability) supports the idea of a cautious approach from both sides, especially in the early stages. Still, Bristol City’s attacking depth might eventually tilt the balance in their favor.

Port Vale vs Bristol City prediction by BetMines:
Bristol City win (2) with a probability of 36%.