Where to Watch Port Vale v Sunderland FA Cup Clash: BBC Radio 5 Live and TNT Sports Coverage Guide

Football fans across the UK are gearing up for an exciting FA Cup fifth-round showdown as Port Vale host Sunderland at Vale Park on Sunday, 8 March 2026, with kick-off at 13:30 UK time. British viewers can catch comprehensive coverage on trusted channels like BBC Radio 5 Live and TNT Sports, ensuring every dramatic moment of this David vs Goliath encounter is accessible, whether through radio commentary or televised action.

BBC Radio 5 Live leads the audio charge with presenter Steve Crossman, a seasoned broadcaster known for his engaging style on BBC's football coverage, at the helm. Main commentator John Acres brings his wealth of experience from years calling League Two and National League matches, paired with former Nottingham Forest and Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid as co-commentator. Reid, who enjoyed a distinguished career with over 400 appearances for Forest alone, offers insider insights on midfield battles. Pundits Nedum Onuoha, ex-Manchester City defender with 235 Premier League games under his belt and now a prominent Sky Sports analyst, and Julien Laurens, a French football expert covering Ligue 1 and Europe for BBC and others, promise sharp pre- and post-match analysis.

Local flavours abound on BBC stations too. BBC Radio Newcastle features Nick Barnes on commentary duties alongside Gary Bennett, a Sunderland legend with 500+ appearances for the Black Cats and a long-time radio stalwart. Meanwhile, BBC Radio Stoke has Phil Bowers calling the game with Adam Yates, capturing the home crowd's passion for Port Vale supporters. All this audio action is also available via the BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport online, aggregating the full team for seamless listening.

For those preferring visuals, TNT Sports 1 HD and TNT Sports Ultimate 4K – available through Discovery+ UK – deliver live television coverage. Presenter Jules Breach, familiar from her roles on TNT Sports and Eurosport covering major tournaments, fronts the broadcast. Mike Minay, BBC and TNT commentator with a knack for big-match calls, leads commentary alongside Robbie Savage, the former Derby and Leicester midfielder turned pundit renowned for his passionate opinions. Pundits Karen Carney, ex-England international with 143 caps and BBC favourite, and Kevin Phillips, Sunderland's record Premier League scorer with 30 goals in their title-winning 1999 season, add star power. Reporter Matt Smith provides pitch-side updates. Highlights later air on TNT Sports with the same duo.

Additional radio options include talkRadio, talkSPORT, and the talkSPORT app, presented by Adrian Durham, the gravel-voiced host famous for his late-night football phone-ins. Joe Shennan comments with Andy Townsend, the Irish World Cup star and ITV regular, offering tactical depth. Reporters Adam Diouri for IRN and Sanny Rudravajhala for Sky Sports News/HD keep fans updated on team news and atmosphere.

This tie pits League One strugglers Port Vale, bottom of the table yet brimming with cup spirit under boss John Brady, against higher-flying Sunderland, who recently beat Leeds and drew with Bournemouth[1][2]. Odds favour the visitors at -204, with Port Vale at +533, setting up a potential upset[1]. Historical meetings, like Sunderland's wins in recent FA Cup and Carabao Cup clashes, add intrigue[3]. Vale Park hosts VAR for the first time, heightening the occasion amid fan excitement after a 30-year wait for such a big ticket[4].

Whether you're tuning into BBC Radio 5 Live for national coverage or TNT Sports for HD visuals, this FA Cup gem promises giant-killing potential. For more on Sunderland's form, visit their official site. Don't miss Port Vale's chance to stun the Championship side – it's classic cup football at its finest.

Article generated: 8 March 2026, 13:32 GMT