Overview

• The third-round tie at Vale Park kicks off at 8pm BST and will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event.
• Mikel Arteta signalled heavy changes and said Kepa Arrizabalaga deserves minutes, indicating a likely Arsenal debut for the summer signing.
• Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman is set to be involved after recent Premier League cameos, with Arteta praising his maturity and Port Vale boss Darren Moore calling him a “top, top talent.”
• Ethan Nwaneri is expected to start as opportunities open for youngsters and fringe players in a reshaped side.
• Winger Noni Madueke is out for roughly six to eight weeks with a knee injury, Piero Hincapié is also sidelined, and Port Vale enter confident after EFL Cup wins over Blackpool and Birmingham.