It’s time to turn our attention to the FA Cup as Port Vale take on Championship side Bristol City. Here’s our preview.
Vale viewpoint
Essentials
- Opposition: Bristol City
- Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
- Competition: FA Cup
- Viewing guide: not available in the UK
Talking points
Questions over Vale’s line-up
Will Port Vale stick or twist for this one? It’s a tricky one as under Darren Moore rotation would be near certain but under Jon Brady – who knows? Will the manager think continuity is a better option than giving squad players a run out – or will he want to rest legs during a busy period?
Pitch problems over?
The state of Vale’s pitch drew some unfavourable headlines when this game was originally cancelled. However, according to CEO Matt Hancock the worst is behind us although there’s no details on whether the club will seek redress from the summer’s contractors for the situation.
Known injury list
Ben Heneghan, Ryan Croasdale, Onel Hernandez, Ben Garrity and George Byers remain injury doubts.
Possible Vale line-up (3-4-3)
Gauci – John, Humphreys, C.Hall – Gabriel, Walters, Ojo, Gordon – G.Hall, Stockley, Waine
Jon Brady – selection headache?
Opposition briefing
Essentials
- Name: Bristol City
- Manager: Gerhard Struber
- Stadium: Ashton Gate stadium
Need to know
Meet the manager
49 year-old Gerhard Struber was appointed in June. He has previously been in charge at FC Koln and Barnsley among others. His record at Ashton Gate is 16 wins from 38 games in charge.
Recent form
Standing in tenth place in the Championship the Robins’ recent form has been a bit hit and miss. They have won two of their last five League games.
How they got there
City thumped Watford 5-1 in the last round.
Manager Gerhard Struber
Opposition history
Essentials
- Record League appearance holder: 596, John Atyeo
- Record League goalscorer: 314, John Atyeo
- Record League win: 9-0 vs Aldershot
- Record FA Cup win (just in case): 11-0 vs Chichester City
Over the years
History in fifty words
Founded in 1894, The Robins peaked early, finishing top-flight runners-up in 1907. Financial collapse loomed in 1982, averted by the “Ashton Gate Eight” sacrificing their contracts to save the club. Since then, City has largely nested in the second tier, chasing a long-awaited Premier League return at historic Ashton Gate.
Stadium
The club have played their home games at Ashton Gate since moving from St John’s Lane in 1904. Redevelopment in 2014 has resulted in its current 26,462 capacity.
The Ashton Gate stadium
Archive
This site is thirty years old and has thousands of posts. Here are a couple to feature the opposition.
Head-to-head
How it stands
- Vale wins: 31
- City wins: 40
- Draws: 17
Previous games
Fixture history
The two sides first met in 1901 when Vale obtained a 3-0 win. It was the exact opposite in the return fixture as City won 4-0. Daniel Simpson was the scorer of Vale’s first-ever goal against the Robins. However, in recent years it has been nine games since the Vale last won against Bristol City.
Last time we met
Mark Marshall scored a consolation goal as the Valiants lost 3-1 in 2015. It meant City secured a double over Vale in the 2014-15 season.
Mark Marshall – last Vale scorer against City
Sam Morsy in action for Port Vale
Played for both
Current connection
The Valiants could face former midfielder Sam Morsy who joined City in the January transfer window. Morsy graduated through Vale’s youth team to make his senior debut and help the club to promotion in 2013. However, he fell out with manager Micky Adams and that led to a move to Chesterfield.
Vintage connections
There have been plenty of players to appear for both over the years. The list includes striker Steve Brooker, defender Ryan McGivern, midfielder Tony Dinning, full-back Micky Bell, defender Clayton Fortune and going further back left-back Russell Bromage.
Predict the score
Have your say
Discuss the game
Want to discuss things before, during and after the game? Our forum’s dedicated match thread is the place to be. Share your views with fellow fans
Join the debate:
The Vale Park stadium
Test your knowledge
Have you been paying attention? Here’s our traditional preview quiz
Who is the current Bristol City manager?
What the score the last time we met?
How many times have Vale beaten City?
Which former Vale midfielder is now at City?
What the score the last time we met?
How many times have Vale beaten City?
Which former Vale midfielder is now at City?
(answers right – no cheating)
Answers
Quiz answers
Gerhard Struber
Bristol City 2-1 Port Vale
31
Sam Morsy
Quiz ratings
Today’s theme is players to appear for both sides.
0/4 – Tony Dinning
1/4 – Ryan McGivern
2/4 – Clayton Fortune
3/4 – Sam Morsy
4/4 – Steve Brooker
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