Mansion Sports – The 2025/2026 Carabao Cup serves up another intriguing underdog story as Port Vale of League One prepare to face Premier League giants Arsenal in the third round of the competition.

The match will take place at Vale Park on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 local time. It will be a contest of determination against tradition, and one that promises plenty of drama.

Port Vale Seek a Golden Opportunity in the Carabao Cup

Port Vale’s journey to the third round has been marked by resilience and hard work. The side, led by Darren Moore, advanced by overcoming difficult away fixtures against Blackpool and Birmingham City. Now, they are tasked with facing Arsenal, one of the tournament favorites.

Despite their underdog status, Port Vale approach the match with confidence. Their League One campaign began poorly, with seven matches without a win, but recent improvements—two positive results in succession—have provided much-needed momentum at the right time.

History also adds extra intrigue to this clash. While Arsenal hold a commanding record, Port Vale’s last victory over the Gunners came in 1901, and in the 1997/98 FA Cup, Arsenal needed penalties to scrape past them. These rare but notable moments give added weight to Port Vale’s challenge at Vale Park.

Arsenal Aim to Return to Winning Ways

For Arsenal, the fixture represents an opportunity to bounce back following a 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League, where Gabriel Martinelli’s goal salvaged a single point. That result left them trailing leaders Liverpool by five points, further emphasizing the need to rebuild momentum.

Although the Carabao Cup has not been Arsenal’s main priority—their last triumph came in 1993—an early exit would inevitably raise concerns about the team’s mentality and squad depth. Mikel Arteta, therefore, will approach this tie with caution, balancing rotation with the need to progress.

Injuries remain a challenge. Piero Hincapie is sidelined, Noni Madueke struggles with a knee problem, and Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard remain unavailable. However, the returns of Bukayo Saka and Ben White provide a timely boost. 

Arteta is expected to combine established stars with emerging talent, with prospects like Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Max Dowman pushing for starting roles.

Predicted Lineups for Port Vale vs Arsenal 2025

Port Vale (3-5-2)

• Goalkeeper: Gauci
• Defenders: Humphreys, Debrah, Heneghan
• Midfielders: Gabriel, Croasdale, Garrity, Byers, Shorrock
• Forwards: Cole, Curtis
• Manager: Darren Moore

Mo Faal has returned from injury, but Port Vale continue to face difficulties on the flanks. With Liam Gordon, Mitch Clark, and Kyle John sidelined, the 3-5-2 system once again looks the most viable option for Moore.

Arsenal (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Kepa
• Defenders: White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
• Midfielders: Nwaneri, Norgaard, Merino
• Forwards: Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
• Manager: Mikel Arteta

Arteta is likely to rotate heavily, giving opportunities to young stars such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Even so, Bukayo Saka could be included from the start to regain match sharpness and ensure balance in attack.

Closing Thoughts

The clash between Port Vale and Arsenal in the 2025/2026 Carabao Cup epitomizes the essence of domestic knockout football: a lower-league side striving to defy expectations against a powerhouse determined not to falter.

With predicted lineups for Port Vale vs Arsenal 2025 already outlined, this fixture promises to be a test of character. 

Port Vale will look to fuel their underdog spirit, while Arsenal aim to preserve their reputation and provide valuable opportunities for their younger talents.

The answer to who will prevail lies in the atmosphere of Vale Park, where ambition and tradition collide.