The magic of the FA Cup never fails to produce intrigue, and this Round of 64 tie between Port Vale and Fleetwood is no exception. Set at Vale Park with both sides hungry for a cup run, the contest balances recent form against the pressure of knockout football. While Port Vale have the home advantage and a point to prove after a mixed run, Fleetwood arrive with a steadier win rate in their last outings—making this a tactically fascinating duel for the neutral and die-hard fans alike.
Key players sure to leave their mark include Port Vale’s dynamic forward Devante Cole, whose brace in recent matches underscores his threat in the penalty area, and Fleetwood’s bustling winger Ryan Graydon, whose energy and goals from wide positions have proved crucial for the visitors.
Hot stat: Port Vale netted five past Blackpool in their last home fixture, a result that starkly contrasts their patchy recent form.
| 🏆 Tournament: | FA Cup 2025/26, Round of 64 |
| 🏟 Venue: | Vale Park, Stoke |
| 🗓️ Date: | 09.01.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:30 CEST |
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Port Vale vs Fleetwood prediction
My best value prediction for this cup clash is “Port Vale Draw No Bet.” With home advantage, a clear attacking focal point in Cole, and their ability to produce big results on their day—such as the 5-1 thumping of Blackpool—they have the edge, even considering their recent inconsistency. Fleetwood’s recent form is steadier, with a 50% win rate across their last eight, but they’ve scored just four goals in their last five matches, which hints at potential struggles on the road.
Statistically, Port Vale’s style relies on vertical passing and direct play – as reflected in their 55 shots and 25 corners across their recent five matches – but this approach also leaves them open at the back, conceding 57 fouls and 13 yellow cards. Their 69 percent pass accuracy signals some rushed possession. Fleetwood, very much a disciplined unit, have fewer fouls (61), fewer yellow cards (12), but rack up higher shot output (65 total) and even more corners (29) in the same span, backed by solid midfield work and set-piece threat.
Both sides average around two yellow cards a game, so expect an intense battle, especially in midfield. If Fleetwood can convert more of their shooting opportunities, a shock is possible—but with the home crowd behind them, Port Vale remain slight favourites.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Port Vale Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Port Vale: Their most recent five matches are a rollercoaster: a triumphant 5-1 against Blackpool, a narrow 0-1 loss to Bradford City, a bruising 0-5 defeat by Huddersfield, a frustrating 0-1 against Peterborough, and a 2-2 draw with Luton Town. That Blackpool win is a real statement, but defensive vulnerability is clear—shipping goals heavily to the division’s stronger opposition. Devante Cole continues to be their most potent weapon, with two goals and an assist in his last five, supported by George Byers and Jayden Stockley.
Fleetwood: The visitors have had steadier results recently: wins over Gillingham (2-1) and Newport (2-0), but also close losses to Tranmere (0-1) and Grimsby (0-1), and a goalless draw with Salford City. They’re less prolific in front of goal but do show resilience and a tighter defensive shape, evidenced by fewer fouls and yellow cards than their hosts. Ryan Graydon and Zech Medley have been instrumental—Graydon for his two-goal haul and Medley’s reliability at the back.
🚨Read our full Port Vale vs Fleetwood stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Port Vale the favourite
- Moneyline Port Vale 1.67 | Fleetwood 4.84
- Draw 3.93
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.10 | Under 2.5 1.75
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.05 | No 1.80
Bookmakers peg Port Vale as the winner, and there’s justification: their home record, recent five-goal haul, and the urgency that comes with cup football tilt the balance in Vale’s favour. Fleetwood’s longer odds reflect their inconsistent attack, but with both teams’ defensive lapses, a draw is not without precedent in this rivalry.
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Possible Starting Lineups

Port Vale possible starting eleven
- GK: Ben Amos
- DF: Mitchell Clark, Jesse Debrah, Ben Heneghan, Jaheim Headley
- MF: George Byers, Jordan Shipley, Ryan Croasdale, George Cardinal Joseph Hall
- FW: Devante Cole, Jayden Stockley
This selection, driven by recent match appearances, balances defensive experience (Clark and Heneghan) with creativity (Byers and Shipley) and the firepower of Cole and Stockley up top. Port Vale remain likely to stick to their favoured 3-1-4-2, aiming to control midfield and hit swiftly on the break. Watch for Devante Cole’s runs in behind—and Headley’s overlapping presence on the flank.

Fleetwood possible starting eleven
- GK: Jay Lynch
- DF: Kayden Hughes, Zech Medley, Finley Potter, Toby Mullarkey
- MF: Matthew Virtue-Thick, Mark Helm, Harrison Neal, Jordan Davies
- FW: Ryan Graydon, Lewis McCann
Fleetwood’s line-up leans on stability from Mullarkey and Medley at the back, with Graydon offering pace and Potter a strong aerial threat on set-pieces. The midfield quartet should ensure good ball progression, with Virtue-Thick and Helm both adept at transitioning the play. Fleetwood will likely match the 3-1-4-2, seeking to press high and exploit any Port Vale defensive lapses. Graydon looks the main danger man, with McCann an industrious presence alongside him.
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Fleetwood. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
My take on the Match
After dissecting both squads, lineups, and all core metrics, my tip is Port Vale to progress—possibly by a narrow margin. The recent 5-1 victory against Blackpool speaks volumes about their offensive potential on home soil, and with Cole, Stockley, and Byers interlinking, they just edge the prediction. Fleetwood’s counter-attacking threat and set-piece danger will keep things tight, but unless they sharpen up in the final third, Vale should stamp their ticket to the next round. That said, the FA Cup thrives on upsets—so keep an eye out for drama!

