Arsenal Set to Unleash Dowman in Debut Starting Role Against Port Vale
The mounting expectations on Mikel Arteta to secure silverware in 2025–26 cannot be ignored, particularly following the club's substantial investment in him during the summer transfer period.
While the Premier League and Champions League remain Arsenal's primary objectives, the Spanish manager may find himself in a position where any trophy becomes acceptable as the campaign progresses.
Under Arteta's leadership, they've advanced to several Carabao Cup semifinals, yet haven't experienced a memorable Wembley appearance in this tournament since 2018. Their squad depth positions them among the leading contenders to claim Newcastle United's title this season, and they face a favorable opening to their domestic cup campaign on Wednesday evening.
Here's the potential Arsenal formation against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup third round.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Port Vale (4-3-3)
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—Arsenal made a shrewd decision not to acquire a goalkeeper who would be ineligible for this competition during the summer, leaving Kepa set to feature in domestic cup matches.
RB: Ben White—White endured a challenging 2024–25 season, and his 2025–26 campaign has yet to gain momentum due to ongoing fitness concerns. Arteta will be eager to give him playing time in this fixture.
CB: Cristhian Mosquera—Outstanding during William Saliba's absence, Mosquera will likely serve as backup unless the French defender suffers another injury or experiences a significant drop in performance.
CB: Piero Hincapié—The final-day signing was unavailable for Sunday's stalemate with Manchester City due to injury, but Arteta hopes Hincapié will be ready for his inaugural Arsenal appearance at Vale Park.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—This breakout performer from last season appears to have been relegated early in the new campaign, but Lewis-Skelly will have numerous opportunities to demonstrate his worth.
CM: Christian Nørgaard—The reliable summer acquisition has also faced injury troubles since arriving at the club and remains well behind Martín Zubimendi in the pecking order. Nevertheless, the Danish midfielder will provide the Spanish manager with midweek relief.
CM: Mikel Merino—Merino appears uncomfortable when deployed on Arsenal's right-sided midfield position, but may retain his place in Wednesday evening's starting eleven.
CM: Ethan Nwaneri—With Martin Ødegaard still recovering from a shoulder problem, teenager Nwaneri is certain to start at Vale Park. He established his reputation in this tournament last season.
RW: Max Dowman—Arsenal's newest Hale End prodigy generated significant attention during the summer and earned his Premier League debut in the second gameweek. His appearances have been limited since, but this presents an excellent chance for Dowman to earn his first competitive start.
ST: Gabriel Martinelli—Martinelli's long-term position may lie centrally, and his leveling goal on Sunday hinted at his capabilities away from the left wing.
LW: Eberechi Eze—Eze's skill in receiving possession in tight spaces and accelerating the tempo was notably absent during the first half against City, and he provided a noticeable influence as a substitute. Though he may begin wide in this match, Eze will probably drift centrally, potentially against Arteta's tactical preferences.
