Sunderland will take on League One strugglers Port Vale in the fifth round of the FA Cup this Sunday in the latest ‘David vs Goliath’ encounter in the competition.

The Black Cats dispatched Oxford United in the fourth round thanks to a well-taken Habib Diarra penalty. Meanwhile, Port Vale required extra time to overcome Bristol City in their rearranged tie, setting up a fifth-round meeting with Premier League opposition.

Sunderland have all but secured their Premier League status, reaching the 40-point mark with an impressive away victory at Leeds despite a significant number of first-team injuries.

With survival virtually assured, Régis Le Bris’ side can now turn their attention to the FA Cup without the added pressure of league uncertainty.

Port Vale, by contrast, remain at the bottom of League One and are firmly embroiled in a relegation battle.

Preparation time has been limited for Sunderland, as they only confirmed their opponents and travel arrangements late on Tuesday night ahead of Sunday’s fixture.

What are the best picks for Port Vale vs Sunderland?

Sunderland to win

Whilst Port Vale will be hoping for more ‘magic of the cup’, sadly for them, I just can’t see it. They have done brilliantly to get this far, but I feel this is just a stretch too far.

Sunderland haven’t exactly been electric the last few months, but the return of captain Granit Xhaka seems to have brought about a little bit of a resurgence.

With confidence creeping back in and less pressure in the league, this should be a professional job. Not necessarily a fireworks display, but Sunderland should get the job done.

Over 2.5 goals

It’s no secret that Sunderland’s attacking players have been about as sharp as a bowling ball this season, but they also don’t play League One opposition every week, let alone the team rooted to the bottom of it.

Brian Brobbey had cemented himself as Sunderland’s starting centre forward before his injury against Fulham, but he now faces a period on the sidelines.

Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor will be set to duel for the spot and stake their claim, and this provides the best platform to do it.

Both will be hungry for goals, and this could quickly become ugly for Port Vale. Over 2.5 goals seems likely here.

Where can I watch Port Vale vs Sunderland?

For viewers in the USA, this FA Cup game will be shown live on ESPN+. Kick-off is at 8:30 am ET.

Supporters in the UK will be able to watch live on TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+. Kick-off is at 1:30 pm GMT.

What is Port Vale’s current form?

L-D-W-D-W

What is Sunderland’s current form?

L-W-L-D-W

What were the results of the last five head-to-head matches between Port Vale and Sunderland?

10/08/21 – Port Vale 1-2 Sunderland (EFL Cup)

12/01/21 – Sunderland 2-0 Port Vale (EFL Trophy)

11/11/18 – Port Vale 1-2 Sunderland (FA Cup)

12/12/98 – Sunderland 2-0 Port Vale (Championship)

14/11/98 – Port Vale 0-2 Sunderland (Championship)

What is Port Vale’s predicted line-up?

Gauci – Hall, Humphreys, Magloire – Gordon, Gabriel, Shipley, Walters – Archer, Waine, Sherif

What is Sunderland’s predicted line-up?

Ellborg – O’nien, Ballard, Alderete, Hume – Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra – Le Fee, Angulo, Mayenda

Injured: Roefs, Mukiele, Cirkin, Reinildo, Ta Bi, Mundle, Brobbey

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