Overview
Often criticized for his negative approach - especially when facing opponents in the Big Six - Arsenal completely transformed last weekend, when Manchester City was pressured to the point of having to defend hard.
Pep Guardiola's " bus accident" tactic almost took effect at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League's highlight match. However, Arsenal finally found hope late thanks to Gabriel Martinelli, who threw the equalizer in the final minutes.
However, against a Man City side with just 32.8% possession Guardiolas lowest tally in his Premier League career this 1-1 draw was more of a two-point loss to a one-point win. Currently, the Gunners are 5 points behind the leader Liverpool in the rankings.
Arsenal will have to " break the deadlock" in midweek when meeting a lower-ranked opponent in the Carabao Cup - a tournament they have not won since 1993. Last season, Arsenal's journey also ended disappointingly when they lost 0-4 to Newcastle in the semi-finals.
Of course, the Premier League or Champions League are Arsenal's final destination this season. Therefore, the Carabao Cup is unlikely to be a top priority for Mikel Arteta. However, a shocking defeat in this arena will only increase skepticism about the Gunners' ability to succeed.
Port Vale's ambition for the Carabao Cup 2025-2026 is much more modest. However, the League One side still have reason to be proud to have reached the third round for the second time in the last 16 seasons, after two consecutive away wins.
Under the leadership of coach Darren Moore, Port Vale beat Blackpool 1-0, defeating Birmingham to advance to the third round.
The Carabao Cup has become a significant bright spot for Port Vale, in the context of their disastrous start in League One with a streak of 7 matches without a win. But right at the right time, Darren Moore and his team found the winning feeling.
In fact, Port Vale are on a consecutive winning streak in the tournament, against Exeter City and most recently Mansfield Town. In the match against Mansfield, they had to rely on a late goal in the 95th minute - a penalty taken by Ronan Curtis - to win 2-1.
However, history is still leaning towards Arsenal. The last time Port Vale beat the Gunners was in 1901. In the most recent encounter in the third round of the FA Cup in 1997-1998, the London team needed a comeback and a penalty shootout to overcome the lower-ranked representative.
Personnel situation
Following Arsenal's familiar style, this team welcomed two new injuries last weekend. Piero Hincapie is absent due to a groin problem, while Noni Madueke was forced off mid-field due to a knee injury.
Madueke is expected to be out for about 2 months, joining the list of injured players that already included Gabriel Jesus ( frontal cruciate ligament amputation), Kai Havertz (knee) and Martin Odegaard (hand).
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka and Ben White returned to the squad against Man City, but the English defender was left on the bench and out of action.
Both Saka and White are likely to be ready to compete for a starting position. Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly could also be given a chance.
The possibility of Max Dowman being present from the start is not ruled out, but Saka is almost certain to return to his strong position on the right wing when he is at his best.
On the opposite side, Port Vale also received good news when Mo Faal recovered from a hamstring injury. However, Darren Moore has faced a full-back headache following three new injuries.
Liam Gordon was forced off in the 79th minute of the win over Mansfield, while Mitch Clark is expected to be out for at least a week with an injury to be determined. Meanwhile, Kyle John will be absent for the next few matches due to muscle problems.
Expected lineup:
Port Vale: Gauci, Humphreys, Debrah, Heneghan, Gabriel, Croasdale, Garrity, Byers, Shorrock, Cole, Curtis.
Arsenal: Kepa, White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Norgaard, Merino, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
The match between Port Vale and Arsenal takes place at 2:00 am on September 25 (Vietnam time).
