The Carabao Cup kicks off its first round with an intriguing Lancashire-Staffordshire clash as League One side Blackpool hosts newly promoted League Two team Port Vale at Bloomfield Road. For Blackpool, this match represents a chance to bounce back from a difficult start to their league campaign and find some much-needed momentum. Under the management of Steve Bruce, the Tangerines will be looking to their superior squad depth and home advantage to assert their dominance. However, they will be wary of the potential for a cup shock. Port Vale, under the management of Darren Moore, comes into the fixture with the same ambition. This is a marquee event for the Valiants, offering a chance to test their mettle against higher-tier opposition and potentially produce a famous giant-killing performance.
Blackpool has had a difficult start to their season, with a number of mixed results in their pre-season friendlies and an opening-day defeat in the League One. The team has been active in the summer transfer window, bringing in several new faces to bolster their squad. They will be relying on their key players to make an impact. Port Vale, on the other hand, comes into the fixture with a strong start to their League Two campaign. They secured a notable victory over Wycombe Wanderers in their last outing, with goals from their key players. This match promises to be an interesting tactical affair, with Blackpool expected to dominate possession and Port Vale likely to adopt a more defensive approach, looking to hit their opponents on the counter-attack.
Match Details
- Competition: Carabao Cup, First Round
- Location: Blackpool, England
- Stadium: Bloomfield Road
- Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 2:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM BST / 8:45 PM CEST
- Referee: Jeremy Simpson
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The history between these two teams is a long one, with their most recent meeting being in the FA Cup in 2020. Blackpool won that encounter 3-0. However, both teams have had mixed starts to their current seasons. Blackpool’s recent form is a concern, with a number of mixed results in their pre-season friendlies and an opening-day defeat in the League One. Port Vale’s recent form is strong, with their win in their last outing a key indicator of their potential this season. The Carabao Cup is a different competition entirely, and both teams will be viewing this match as a chance to secure a crucial win and gain momentum for the rest of their seasons.
Blackpool:
Blackpool enters this match with the pressure of a difficult start to the season. The team will be looking to its key players, including new signings and in-form midfielders, to stabilize the team and deliver a performance worthy of their league status. Manager Steve Bruce is expected to use this match to give minutes to some of his new signings and to test new tactical setups. The team will be looking to its home crowd for support as they aim to progress to the second round of the cup. With their superior squad depth, they are the clear favorites to win this match.
- August 9, 2025: Exeter City 4–1 Blackpool (League One)
- August 2, 2025: Blackpool 2–3 Stevenage (League One)
- July 26, 2025: Blackpool 0–2 Bristol City (Friendly)
Port Vale:
Port Vale is facing a tough challenge against a higher-division opponent. The team will be motivated by the prospect of a cup upset and a chance to beat their rivals. Manager Darren Moore has a number of new signings at his disposal, and they will be looking to make an impact in this match. Port Vale will likely adopt a defensive and disciplined approach, aiming to frustrate Blackpool and capitalize on any set pieces or counter-attacking opportunities. The team’s resolve and fighting spirit will be their biggest assets in this match, as they seek to pull off a shock result and advance to the next round.
- August 9, 2025: Northampton Town 0–0 Port Vale (League Two)
- August 2, 2025: Port Vale 2–1 Wycombe Wanderers (League Two)
- July 26, 2025: Port Vale 2–0 Middlesbrough (Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Blackpool is expected to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They will rely on their creative midfielders and attacking forwards to create scoring opportunities. The key matchup will be between Blackpool’s attack and Port Vale’s defense. For Port Vale, the strategy will be more pragmatic, with a focus on staying compact and frustrating their opponents. They will look to the pace of their wingers to launch quick counter-attacks. The match will be a test of Port Vale’s resilience against Blackpool’s quality. While an upset is always possible in a cup tie, Blackpool’s superior individual talent should ultimately be the deciding factor.
How to Watch Blackpool vs. Port Vale on TV, Live Stream
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports+ |
| United States | ESPN+ |
| Canada | DAZN Canada |
| Australia | beIN Sports |
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports+. In the United States, you can catch the action on ESPN+. In Canada, the game is available via DAZN Canada, while in Australia, beIN Sports will be broadcasting the match. For all other regions, broadcasting information can vary, so it’s best to check official EFL Cup or local sports broadcasting websites for the most up-to-date information on how to watch the match live.
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