Arsenal Face Giant-Killing Port Vale: Team News, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Arsenal begin their Carabao Cup journey with an away fixture against League One side Port Vale on Wednesday evening, marking the first encounter between these clubs in over two decades.
Wednesday's home team is gearing up for a special moment in their milestone 150th anniversary campaign, as they host the Premier League's consistent runners-up at Vale Park for this third-round clash.
Though Vale currently sit in 19th position in League One, they've overcome Blackpool and surprised Birmingham City to earn their first meeting with the Gunners since 1998, when they nearly shocked the future double champions in the FA Cup.
Mikel Arteta's squad approaches this cup fixture following a demanding three-match period, which ended with a 1–1 stalemate against Manchester City on Sunday. They were compelled to break through an unusually defensive City setup after Erling Haaland's early strike, ultimately securing their leveler through substitute Gabriel Martinelli during added time.
There's anticipation that Arsenal will challenge for the Premier League crown despite already trailing leaders Liverpool by five points. The Gunners haven't claimed silverware since their FA Cup triumph in 2020, making them eager for another extended cup campaign.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Wednesday's cup encounter.
What Time Does Port Vale vs. Arsenal Kick Off?
Port Vale vs. Arsenal Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Port Vale | Arsenal |
|---|---|
Port Vale 2–1 Mansfield - 20/09/25 | Arsenal 3–0 Man City - 21/09/25 |
Exeter 0–2 Port Vale - 13/09/25 | Athletic Club 0–2 Arsenal - 16/09/25 |
Port Vale 2–3 Leyton Orient - 06/09/25 | Arsenal 3–0 Nottingham Forest - 13/09/25 |
Port Vale 4–1 Leeds U21s - 02/09/25 | Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal - 31/08/25 |
Reading 1–0 Port Vale - 30/08/25 | Arsenal 5–0 Leeds - 23/08/25 |
How to Watch Port Vale vs. Arsenal on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video |
United Kingdom | Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Ultra HD |
Canada | DAZN Canada, Amazon Prime Video |
Mexico | Disney+ Premium Mexico, ESPN3 Mexico |
Port Vale Team News
The home side has suffered several unfortunate injury setbacks ahead of Arsenal's arrival, though on-loan Wrexham forward Mo Faal is anticipated to return from his hamstring problem on Wednesday evening.
Turning to the more concerning updates, Vale will likely be missing Liam Gordon, who was substituted late in their weekend match against Mansfield Town. Mitch Clark and Kyle John are also not expected to recover from their individual injuries.
Port Vale Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Port Vale predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (3-5-2): Gauci; Humphreys, Debrah, Heneghan; Gabriel, Croasdale, Garrity, Byers, Shorrock; Cole, Curtis.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal have been hit by another fitness concern, with Noni Madueke, who's made an impressive start to his north London career, facing a two-month absence due to a knee problem that won't need surgical intervention.
Madueke joins Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard in the treatment room, though Arteta has seen Bukayo Saka and William Saliba return from their respective fitness issues during the past week.
Piero Hincapié will earn his debut start if he's overcome the injury that sidelined him from Sunday's match, while academy prospects Max Dowman, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are all expected to feature in the starting formation.
Gabriel Martinelli might be deployed as a central striker, with Eberechi Eze also set to return to the lineup.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Port Vale
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Port Vale (4-3-3): Kepa; White, Mosquera, Hincapié, Lewis-Skelly; Nørgaard, Nwaneri, Merino; Dowman, Martinelli, Eze.
Port Vale vs. Arsenal Score Prediction
Arsenal might face challenges due to injuries, but their roster remains exceptionally deep and Arteta will field a starting eleven filled with talent at Vale Park.
The Gunners have easily dispatched similar opposition in previous seasons, including Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End last campaign, and it's difficult to imagine the hosts, despite securing consecutive League One victories, causing problems for Arteta's well-organized system on Wednesday evening.
This ought to be a straightforward night for the away team.
Prediction: Port Vale 0–3 Arsenal