Arsenal vs Port Vale – Carabao Cup Third Round Preview

After Gabriel Martinelli’s late equaliser secured Arsenal a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates, the Gunners now shift focus to the Carabao Cup. Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Vale Park for a third-round tie against Port Vale, aiming to improve on last season’s run, which ended at the semi-final stage against Newcastle.

Arsenal will be without Noni Madueke, who suffered a knee injury in the clash with City and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

However, Arteta will be delighted to welcome back several key players from injury, including Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Christian Nørgaard, and Ben White. The Spaniard is expected to rotate his squad, offering valuable minutes to returning players and those who have had limited action so far.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta confirmed his plans to involve a number of squad members:

“Yes, a lot of players are going to take part, and they fully deserve the minutes,” he said. “Kepa, for sure, is one of them. His attitude, the way he supports us in every aspect of his role, has been excellent. Players like him deserve more minutes than they’ve been getting.”

One youngster who could be handed an opportunity is Max Dowman. The midfielder has impressed in recent first-team cameos and continued his form at youth level, finding the net in Arsenal’s under-21s’ 3-2 victory over Wolves last weekend.

Meanwhile, Port Vale enter the tie encouraged by their first home league win of the season, a 2-1 victory over Mansfield on Saturday. They will look to leading scorer Devante Cole to trouble the Arsenal defence. This is only their second appearance in the third round of the competition in 16 years, and they will be eager to test themselves against Premier League opposition, even if Arteta fields a rotated XI.

Arsenal will head into the contest as heavy favourites, but the trip to Vale Park presents both opportunity and risk. For the Gunners, it is a chance to build momentum, integrate returning players, and give fringe and emerging talents the platform to impress.

For Port Vale, it is an occasion to rise to, with the backing of their home support and the freedom to play without expectation. Under the lights, Vale Park could provide the perfect stage for Arsenal’s fringe stars or a potential cup upset.