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Preview: Arsenal visit League One side Port Vale

Preview: Arsenal visit League One side Port Vale

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Arsenal fans seem split over a late weekend draw at home to Manchester City, but with a trophy high on the list of requirements perhaps Mikel Arteta can’t quite write off a midweek League Cup clash as a chance to simply rotate everybody.

By Karl Matchett

Mix and match for Arteta

The Gunners were again the biggest net spenders in the summer transfer window and the onus is on Arteta to now land significant silverware after spending a billion pounds on his rebuild. Sure, the north London side have come relatively close to prizes in position terms, but his cautiousness and pragmatism has ultimately blocked any legitimate title tilt so far. Right now, any trophy will do. As such, hosts Port Vale may not escape as easily as they might have done had the Gunners been five from five in the Premier League so far – though of course even a second-string XI would make for a tough evening for League One opponents.

The likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Christian Nørgaard have had limited minutes so far – the latter precisely one minute in Europe – but in the interests of finding top gear, Arteta might be well-served by keeping a number of starters involved. William Saliba is just back from injury, while the season-starting right flank of Ben White and Bukayo Saka could get much-needed game time and would be far from considered a backup duo. Add in Gabriel Martinelli starting after back-to-back goals as sub plus the temptation to let striker Victor Gyökeres plunder a few goals – no natural No. 9 alternative is fit – and it could well be an unusually strong visiting side which starts at Vale Park.

League Cup oddity

A slightly strange stat from the history of the second cup competition concerns Arsenal. They have, of course, won the FA Cup more times than any other club – 14. Yet in the League Cup it’s another matter entirely: they are level with Norwich and Wolves, and behind Leicester and Spurs, with just two wins ever – the last of which was more than three decades ago. It’s time, surely?!

Recent form

After a poor start to the season Port Vale have won four of their last six, including away at Birmingham in the last round of this competition. Arsenal have won four of their six so far this term in all competitions, losing only to Liverpool.

Team news

Port Vale are likely to keep the back three setup but Darren Moore may make a few changes in personnel. Ronan Curtis will hope to start after scoring the winner off the bench at the weekend. As well as the above-named players, teenager Max Dowman and backup keeper Kepa will hope to feature for Arsenal. Noni Madueke picked up a weekend injury.

Key player

If he starts, then Bukayo Saka is obviously the best player on the pitch. But in 45 minutes against Man City, Eberechi Eze showed why he should be Arsenal’s master key this term. He tops the squad stats for xA per 90, big chances created, shots per 90 and actual assists. Play him!

Prediction

No chance Arsenal fall at the first hurdle surely: Port Vale 0-3 Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Carabao Cup with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Preview: Arsenal visit League One side Port Vale

Arsenal fans seem split over a late weekend draw at home to Manchester City, but with a trophy high on the list of requirements perhaps Mikel Arteta can’t quite write off a midweek League Cup clash as a chance to simply rotate everybody.

By Karl Matchett

Mix and match for Arteta

The Gunners were again the biggest net spenders in the summer transfer window and the onus is on Arteta to now land significant silverware after spending a billion pounds on his rebuild. Sure, the north London side have come relatively close to prizes in position terms, but his cautiousness and pragmatism has ultimately blocked any legitimate title tilt so far. Right now, any trophy will do. As such, hosts Port Vale may not escape as easily as they might have done had the Gunners been five from five in the Premier League so far – though of course even a second-string XI would make for a tough evening for League One opponents.

The likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Christian Nørgaard have had limited minutes so far – the latter precisely one minute in Europe – but in the interests of finding top gear, Arteta might be well-served by keeping a number of starters involved. William Saliba is just back from injury, while the season-starting right flank of Ben White and Bukayo Saka could get much-needed game time and would be far from considered a backup duo. Add in Gabriel Martinelli starting after back-to-back goals as sub plus the temptation to let striker Victor Gyökeres plunder a few goals – no natural No. 9 alternative is fit – and it could well be an unusually strong visiting side which starts at Vale Park.

League Cup oddity

A slightly strange stat from the history of the second cup competition concerns Arsenal. They have, of course, won the FA Cup more times than any other club – 14. Yet in the League Cup it’s another matter entirely: they are level with Norwich and Wolves, and behind Leicester and Spurs, with just two wins ever – the last of which was more than three decades ago. It’s time, surely?!

Recent form

After a poor start to the season Port Vale have won four of their last six, including away at Birmingham in the last round of this competition. Arsenal have won four of their six so far this term in all competitions, losing only to Liverpool.

Team news

Port Vale are likely to keep the back three setup but Darren Moore may make a few changes in personnel. Ronan Curtis will hope to start after scoring the winner off the bench at the weekend. As well as the above-named players, teenager Max Dowman and backup keeper Kepa will hope to feature for Arsenal. Noni Madueke picked up a weekend injury.

Key player

If he starts, then Bukayo Saka is obviously the best player on the pitch. But in 45 minutes against Man City, Eberechi Eze showed why he should be Arsenal’s master key this term. He tops the squad stats for xA per 90, big chances created, shots per 90 and actual assists. Play him!

Prediction

No chance Arsenal fall at the first hurdle surely: Port Vale 0-3 Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Carabao Cup with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.