Mansion Sports – The 2025/2026 Carabao Cup continues to deliver exciting fixtures, with Port Vale set to host Arsenal in the third round.

The match will take place at Vale Park, the home of Port Vale, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 local time.

It is a clash between a League One side and one of the Premier League’s giants, and naturally, many are eager to see how the contest will unfold.

Port Vale Ready to Spring a Surprise

Port Vale approach this game with renewed determination after a challenging start to the season. 

Their path to the third round required grit and effort, as they secured back-to-back away victories against Blackpool and Birmingham City, results that gave them valuable momentum ahead of this daunting challenge.

Their League One campaign initially stumbled, with seven winless matches, but recent improvement with two consecutive positive results has restored some confidence. 

They now carry that momentum into the Carabao Cup, where they will look to play with freedom. 

Notably, they also enjoyed a memorable run in the 2023/2024 season, advancing to the quarterfinals.

History, though largely dominated by Arsenal, also adds intrigue to the tie. The last time Arsenal suffered defeat against Port Vale was in 1901, and even in the 1997/98 FA Cup, the Gunners needed a replay and penalties to progress. 

Such records, while distant, underscore Port Vale’s determination to challenge despite the gulf in quality.

On the squad front, Mo Faal has returned to fitness, but Darren Moore is forced to cope without several wing options due to injuries to Liam Gordon, Mitch Clark, and Kyle John. These absences limit tactical flexibility, yet the spirit of resilience remains.

Arsenal Eye Victory to Rebuild Momentum

Arsenal enter the Carabao Cup directly at the third-round stage, and this fixture comes at a crucial time. 

Following a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League—where Gabriel Martinelli’s strike salvaged a point—the Gunners view this encounter as an opportunity to return to winning ways. 

That result left them five points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, intensifying the need for consistency.

Although Arsenal have not prioritized the Carabao Cup in recent decades—their last triumph came in 1993—Mikel Arteta will be keen to avoid an upset. 

A premature exit would inevitably raise questions about the squad’s mentality and their capacity to compete on multiple fronts this season.

Injury concerns remain a challenge. Piero Hincapie and Noni Madueke are ruled out, joining a list that already includes Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard. 

Encouragingly, however, Bukayo Saka and Ben White have returned to fitness and are available, bolstering Arteta’s options.

Where to Watch Port Vale vs Arsenal 2025

For football fans eager to catch every moment of this fascinating matchup, there are several broadcasting and streaming platforms offering coverage, depending on your location. 

Here are the available options to watch Port Vale vs Arsenal 2025:

• Paramount+
• Sky Sports
• DAZN
• Amazon Prime Video
• beIN Sports

Final Thoughts

The third-round Carabao Cup clash between Port Vale and Arsenal is more than just a meeting of teams from different tiers; it is a fixture that embodies the unpredictability of domestic cup competitions. 

Port Vale seek to prove they can challenge a footballing giant, while Arsenal aim to reassert themselves and avoid disappointment.

For those waiting in anticipation, the platforms to watch Port Vale vs Arsenal 2025 are readily available. 

Simply choose your preferred option, set aside the time, and enjoy what promises to be a captivating night of drama from Vale Park.