Overview

• Port Vale host Arsenal in the Carabao Cup third round at Vale Park on Wednesday, 24 September, with kickoff at 8:00 pm BST on Sky Sports Main Event and streaming via Sky Sports or NOW TV.
• Noni Madueke is awaiting a scan on a knee problem after going off at half-time against Manchester City, and Piero Hincapie is a doubt after missing out with a knock.
• Reports expect heavy rotation, with possible starts for fringe or younger players such as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman and Christian Nørgaard to manage minutes.
• Multiple outlets suggest Mikel Arteta could experiment by using Gabriel Martinelli as a makeshift No 9, given current forward absences and his recent impact from central areas.
• League One side Port Vale enter on two straight wins to rise to 19th, but bookmakers list Arsenal as overwhelming favourites for progression.