Chelsea return from the international break facing a potentially tricky FA Cup quarter-final against League One strugglers Port Vale at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, April 4, 2026. While the Blues are heavy favourites, Liam Rosenior’s side arrive on the back of a worrying four-match losing run, making this a must-win tie for momentum and silverware hopes.
Chelsea’s pressure situation
Liam Rosenior, appointed Chelsea head coach in January 2026, has seen his team lose their last four games — including both legs of a heavy Champions League round-of-16 exit to Paris Saint-Germain, plus Premier League defeats to Everton and Newcastle. It is now eight years since Chelsea last lifted the FA Cup (2018), and with no other realistic chance of silverware this season, the competition has become their primary focus. A shock defeat to bottom-of-League One Port Vale would pile huge pressure on Rosenior and the squad.
Port Vale sit rock bottom of League One with just 31 points from 38 matches and have won only once in their last six games, drawing goalless on four occasions in that run. Despite their poor league form, the Valiants will travel with over 6,000 fans hoping for a famous giant-killing at Stamford Bridge.
How to watch Chelsea vs Port Vale live
• Kick-off time: 5:15 PM BST (12:15 PM ET / 9:45 PM IST) on Saturday, April 4, 2026
• Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
TV Channel & Streaming
In the UK, the match is broadcast live on BBC One (coverage starts at 5:00 PM BST) and TNT Sports 1 (from 4:30 PM).
Free live stream is available on BBC iPlayer (with a valid UK TV licence).
TNT Sports subscribers can also watch via the HBO Max app and website.
International viewers should check local listings options include ESPN in the US, SonyLIV in India, and Stan Sport in Australia.