Arsenal turn their attention to the Carabao Cup tonight as they travel to Vale Park to face League One side Port Vale in the third round.
The Gunners come into this one off the back of a dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates. Erling Haaland struck early, but Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time lob kept Mikel Arteta’s unbeaten run against Pep Guardiola alive. With City suffering their worst league start since 2006/07, Arsenal will want to carry that momentum into cup action.
Port Vale, meanwhile, edged past Mansfield Town 2-1 in the previous round and will relish the chance to host Premier League opposition. Sitting in the bottom half of League One, the Valiants will need a spirited performance to stand any chance of a giant-killing tonight.
What time does Port Vale vs Arsenal kick off?
- Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025
- Kick-off time: 22:00 EAT (20:00 BST)
- Venue: Vale Park
- Competition: Carabao Cup – Third Round
Recent form
Port Vale
- Beat Mansfield 2-1 (Carabao Cup)
- Currently 19th in League One
Arsenal
- Drew 1-1 with Manchester City (Premier League)
- Unbeaten in last five vs Pep Guardiola
Port Vale team news
Forward Mo Faal has returned from injury but may not be risked. Liam Gordon remains a doubt, while Mitch Clark and Kyle John are still sidelined. Ronan Curtis, who netted the winner against Mansfield, is pushing for a start.
Predicted lineup (3-5-2): Gauci; Humphreys, Debrah, Heneghan; Gabriel, Croasdale, Garrity, Byers, Shorrock; Cole, Curtis.
Arsenal team news
Arteta is expected to rotate heavily, with Kepa Arrizabalaga set to make his Gunners debut in goal. New signing Christian Nørgaard could also start in midfield, while Piero Hincapié remains doubtful. Expect Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly to feature at some stage.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Nørgaard, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
What to Watch For
- Rotation time: Expect Arteta to give minutes to squad players and youngsters.
- Momentum boost: Arsenal can use this as a springboard after their draw with City.
- Cup dreams: Vale have nothing to lose — a perfect recipe for an upset.
Port Vale vs Arsenal prediction
Arsenal’s depth should see them through comfortably, but the Carabao Cup has a history of surprises. If the Gunners take their chances, they’ll avoid embarrassment.
Prediction: Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
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