Arsenal are set to kick off their Carabao Cup campaign with a trip to Vale Park, where they’ll take on League One’s Port Vale in a third-round clash that promises drama, experimentation, and a fair share of youthful exuberance. The Gunners, fresh from a hard-fought 1-1 Premier League draw against Manchester City, are navigating a tricky patch of injuries but remain buoyed by their depth and recent resilience. Meanwhile, Port Vale, riding a rare wave of momentum after back-to-back wins, are eager to keep their cup dream alive against top-flight opposition.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with an 8 p.m. BST kick-off at Vale Park in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. Fans in the UK can catch the action live on Sky Sports Main Event, while audiences in the U.S., India, and Australia have their own broadcast options. With no VAR in operation and Andrew Kitchen set to referee, the stage is set for a classic cup tie where anything can happen.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is expected to ring the changes for this contest. With a vital Premier League fixture against Newcastle looming over the weekend and a mounting injury list, the Spaniard is set to hand opportunities to several youngsters and fringe players. Among those likely to feature is 15-year-old Max Dowman, whose rapid rise through the ranks has caught the eye of both teammates and coaching staff. "He's undoubtedly a player that can help the first team. But that's why we need the right mixture of minutes like he did the other day with the under-23s and with England, to have that exposure when he needs to play with us, he's ready to do that," Arteta explained in his pre-match press conference, as reported by arsenal.com.
The injury situation at Arsenal is, to put it mildly, challenging. Winger Noni Madueke, who had been in sparkling form, suffered a knee injury against Manchester City and is facing a spell on the sidelines. While initial fears suggested a lengthy absence, Arteta offered a glimmer of hope: "We hope so. As I said, we need to scan him again to see the real extent of the injury, but it doesn't look too bad." Nevertheless, Madueke is out for at least several weeks, with a projected return in late November. Kai Havertz’s knee issue is more severe, with the German international not expected back until mid-October at the earliest. Martin Ødegaard, the team’s creative lynchpin, is a doubt but has avoided surgery and is already back in training. Defensive recruit Piero Hincapié is nursing a minor groin problem and will be assessed closer to kick-off, while Gabriel Jesus remains out with an ACL injury and is targeting a late December comeback. Bukayo Saka, who recently returned from a hamstring problem, is being carefully reintroduced to competitive action.
Despite the injury woes, Arsenal’s squad depth is notably improved this season. Arteta has praised the attitude and adaptability of his players, particularly those waiting for their chance. Kepa Arrizabalaga, the experienced goalkeeper signed in the summer, is set for a rare start, with Arteta noting, "Kepa, for sure, is one of them. He's been with us, his attitude, the way he supports us in every aspect of his role in the best possible manner. All this as well, they deserve more minutes than what they're getting." This approach is echoed in the likely inclusion of young talents such as Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Max Dowman, whose technical ability and fearlessness have impressed both staff and senior players alike.
Port Vale, for their part, are relishing the underdog role. Newly promoted to League One, they endured a rocky start—failing to win any of their first seven league fixtures—but have since turned a corner. Wins over Mansfield Town and Exeter City in their last two outings have injected confidence into Darren Moore’s side. Their Carabao Cup journey has already seen them dispatch Blackpool and Championship outfit Birmingham City, raising hopes of a giant-killing at Vale Park.
A key figure in Port Vale’s recent resurgence is Devante Cole, son of former Manchester United striker Andy Cole. Since arriving on deadline day, Cole has notched three goals and an assist in just three appearances. His sharpness and pedigree will be vital if Port Vale are to trouble Arsenal’s backline. Coach Darren Moore is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge but is embracing the occasion: “It’s a wonderful game for us all connected with the football club. It’s a game that forces you, whatever area you’re in, to be your best.”
The two clubs share a distant but intriguing history. Their last meeting came in the 1998 FA Cup, when Arsenal needed penalties to edge past Port Vale after a goalless draw at Highbury. That replay at Vale Park saw goals from Dennis Bergkamp and Wayne Corden, with the Gunners ultimately prevailing 4-3 in the shootout. You have to go all the way back to 1901 for Port Vale’s last home win over Arsenal—an era when the North London giants were still known as Woolwich Arsenal.
Looking at the expected lineups, Port Vale are likely to stick with their familiar 3-5-2 formation. Joe Gauci should start in goal, shielded by a back three of Jesse Debrah, Cameron Humphreys, and Ben Heneghan. Wing-backs Jordan Gabriel and Jack Shorrock will provide width, with a midfield trio of Ryan Croasdale, George Byers, and Ben Garrity supporting the front two of Ruari Paton and Devante Cole. Arsenal, meanwhile, are tipped to deploy a 4-3-3 setup: Kepa between the sticks; a back four featuring Ben White, Christhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhães, and Myles Lewis-Skelly; a midfield of Christian Nørgaard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino; and a front line of Max Dowman, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Statistically, Arsenal enter the tie boasting the stingiest defense in the Premier League this season, having conceded just 3.65 expected goals (xG) across all competitions—a testament to their renewed solidity. They did, however, allow their first open-play goal of the campaign against Manchester City, a reminder that even the best can be breached. The Gunners’ relationship with the League Cup is a curious one; they’ve lifted the trophy only twice, most recently in 1993. Last season, they reached the semi-finals before bowing out to eventual winners Newcastle, and there’s a sense that a deep run this year could further underline their progress under Arteta.
Arteta has faced criticism from some quarters for his tactical approach, particularly in the aftermath of the City draw. He remains steadfast in his belief: "If you tell me that this is the main one, if I'm surprised, I will be extremely surprised, with my knowledge and my know-how and how I analyse a football game because it was impossible for somebody to predict such a dominance from Arsenal throughout 96 minutes because it never happened in 17 years of Pep as a manager." The manager’s confidence is echoed by the squad’s recent performances, with Arsenal unbeaten in their last three fixtures and showing signs of a team growing in maturity and belief.
As kick-off approaches, anticipation is building in both camps. For Arsenal, it’s a chance to showcase their next generation and build momentum. For Port Vale, it’s an opportunity to write a new chapter in cup folklore. With both sides carrying hope and a point to prove, all eyes will be on Vale Park to see which story unfolds. One thing’s for sure—cup nights like these rarely disappoint.
