How to watch today’s Port Vale vs Sunderland FA Cup clash: TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Sunderland travel to League One Port Vale as they bid to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
On top of their stellar return to the Premier League this season, Sunderland are in the midst of an FA Cup run, too.
Regis Le Bris‘ side edged Everton on penalties at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in round three before squeezing past Championship strugglers Oxford United at Kassam Stadium.
Sunderland will have to wait for a home FA Cup tie at the Stadium of Light as they head to Vale Park to take on League One’s basement side on Sunday afternoon in round five of the competition.
Ahead of this cup tie, Mackems News has outlined everything you need to know about the contest as Sunderland aim to win the FA Cup for the first time since 1972.
What channel is Port Vale vs Sunderland on?
While Sunderland will be heavy favourites for this contest, the underdogs did knock out Championship side Bristol City with an extra-time winner on Tuesday in round four.
Now, they will be eyeing a Premier League scalp, with the English third-tier team hoping their muddy pitch will be something of a leveller.
Incidentally, in the United Kingdom, Sunderland’s trip to Port Vale will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
Coverage starts at 1 pm and the match gets underway at 1.30 pm. You can listen to the match on talkSPORT and BBC Radio 5 Live.
| Date | 8 March |
| Kick-off time | 1.30pm |
| Stadium | Vale Park |
| TV channel | TNT Sports 1 |
You can also watch the match on TNT Sports via a discovery+ Premium monthly pass without signing up for a contract.
Sunderland suffer injury blow ahead of Port Vale test
On Friday, Le Bris confirmed that winger Bertrand Traore has picked up a knee injury after sustaining the issue in the 1-0 win at Leeds United on Tuesday.
The Black Cats are yet to decide whether or not he needs surgery ahead of Premier League fixtures against Brighton and rivals Newcastle United, respectively.
Le Bris told reporters: “The date is not completed exactly, but it might be a long injury.
“We’re still deciding whether it is surgery or a more conservative treatment; we don’t know this yet. But yes, he [Traore] will be without him for a while, I think so.”
| Sunderland’s key injury issues | Possible return |
| Goalkeeper Robin Roefs (thigh) | Late March |
| Striker Brian Brobbey (groin) | Early April |
| Full-back Nordi Mukiele (calf) | Early to Mid April |
| Defender Reinildo (knee) | Mid March |
Aside from Traore, Sunderland are also unable to call upon the injured Jocelin Ta Bi, Romaine Mundle, Nordi Mukiele, Robin Roefs, Brian Brobbey, and more.
Mackems fans will hope some of them will be back fit, especially for the trip to St James’ Park later this month, but it’s all eyes on the FA Cup first.
For even more Sunderland news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.