Port Vale hoping to cause Carabao Cup upset against Sunderland

Port Vale welcome Sunderland to Vale Park hoping to cause an upset in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Darrell Clarke’s men will be hoping to get themselves their first competitive win of the season and put a halt to momentum being gained on Wearside.

The League One side came from behind to beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 at the weekend, while Vale fell to a 1-0 defeat at Northampton Town.

There has been a big difference between the clubs in the transfer window so far, with Sunderland being quiet while Port Vale have signed nearly an entirely new squad, which could take time to gel.

Sunderland may not bring a full strength side for the match though, having faced a tough game at the weekend, and with another expected this weekend, the Black Cats’ youngsters may feature.

For Vale, keeper Lucas Covolan will miss the tie through suspension after being sent off at the weekend, but it is otherwise expected to be a full strength side that lines up.

The Valiants made it through to the second round of this competition last season, scoring in added time of both halves as they beat Scunthorpe United 2-1 with a late winner. A trip to Fleetwood Town was their reward, but their run came to an end with a 2-1 defeat.

However, seven of the nine seasons before last season have seen Vale exit the competition at the first round stage.

Sunderland were knocked out in the first round of this competition last season, losing on penalties after a 0-0 draw with Hull City at the Stadium of Light.

2019/2o was a much more successful run, winning 3-1 at Accrington Stanley, 3-1 at Burnley and 1-0 at Sheffield United, before going out in the fourth round on penalties after drawing 1-1 at Oxford United.

Despite not being in the same league, Sunderland and Port Vale have faced each other twice in recent seasons. The most recent being in January, when the Black Cats won 2-0 in the Papa John’s Trophy on their way to winning the competition.

The last meeting at Vale Park came in an FA Cup tie in November 2018 where Sunderland won 2-1.

The Black Cats have won their last five meetings with Port Vale and will be hoping for more of the same on Tuesday evening.

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