Port Vale vs Bristol City Match Outlook & AI Prediction

Match Info

• Date & Kickoff: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 20:45 GMT
• Competition: Cup Match
• Venue: Vale Park

Match Outlook

Bristol City enters this match as the clear favorite, playing a full division above their opponents. Port Vale's form is deeply concerning, sitting 24th in League One with just one win in their last six games. In contrast, Bristol City is pushing for promotion in the Championship and has shown consistent quality.

The primary swing factor will be Bristol City's ability to navigate a potentially difficult atmosphere at Vale Park against a team with nothing to lose. However, the gulf in quality and confidence should be too much for the home side to overcome.

Key Stats & Recent Form

• Bristol City has dominated the last six head-to-head meetings, winning five and drawing one. Port Vale has lost four of their last six matches across all competitions. Bristol City has won three of its last four away games, showcasing strong form on the road.

Port Vale Form: L-D-L-W-L-L Bristol City Form: W-L-W-L-D-W

Team News & Expected Lineups

Port Vale reports a fully fit squad ahead of this clash, providing a much-needed boost. Bristol City, however, is contending with significant defensive issues. Cameron Pring, Luke McNally, and Ross McCrorie are all sidelined with injuries. Midfielder Max Bird is also unavailable, testing the depth of the visitor's squad.

Expected Lineups: Port Vale: Stone; Sang, Smith, Iacovitti; Massey, Ojo, Weir, Grant; Chislett, Loft, Wilson Bristol City: O'Leary; Tanner, Vyner, Roberts; Sykes, Knight, James, Wells; Mehmeti, Conway, Twine

Conclusion

Our match outlook and the AI prediction are firmly aligned, both forecasting a win for Bristol City. The combination of Port Vale's poor form and the clear difference in class between the two divisions suggests the Championship side will advance, even with their defensive injuries.