The English League Cup Round of 16 match between Port Vale and Arsenal will take place on September 24 at Vale Park. Port Vale vs Arsenal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Port Vale
The team has already passed two stages in the current English League Cup. They played both matches away and won with the same score of 1-0 against Blackpool and Birmingham. Last year, Port Vale was knocked out in the first stage, losing away to Barrow (2-3). However, in the 2023/24 season, the team reached the quarter-finals, marking their best result this century.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 6 of their last 8 matches in this tournament (5 wins and 1 draw).
- No more than 3 goals have been scored in 6 of Port Vale's last 7 English League Cup games over 90 minutes.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 5 of the team's last 7 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Port Vale (3-5-2)
Joe Gozzi – Cameron Humphreys, Connor Hall, Jesse Debrah – Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel, Ryan Croasdale, George Byers, Ben Garrity, Liam Gordon – Devante Cole, Ruairi Paton.
Arsenal
As expected of the Premier League's top teams, the Londoners start their English League Cup campaign from this round. Over the last 15 years, the Gunners have won this tournament twice – in 2011 and 2018. They also reached the semi-finals twice, the last of which was in the previous edition, where Mikel Arteta's team lost both matches 0-2 to Newcastle.
- The Londoners have not drawn in regular time in this tournament in 9 consecutive matches (4 wins and 5 losses).
- Arsenal has not lost over 90 minutes in 9 of their last 11 away matches in the English League Cup (5 wins and 4 draws).
- The team has not conceded in the second half in 6 of their last 8 away games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya – Gabriel Magalhães, Jurrien Timber, Cristian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori – Martín Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino – Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres.
Forward Noni Madueke will miss the match due to injury.
Referee
Andrew Kitchen (England)
Matches – 5 (Championship and English League Cup, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 13;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 20%.
Port Vale vs Arsenal: Match Prediction
The Gunners have drawn a relatively easy opponent from the third tier. However, we know well the determination lower league teams show when facing Premier League sides. The Londoners are unlikely to receive a warm welcome, especially since the hosts have started the tournament well and have already defeated a Championship side away.
In the upcoming match, I expect goals from both clubs. Port Vale scored in 11 of their last 13 English League Cup matches. Arsenal, of course, is stronger and should advance even with a second-string lineup. However, it is worth noting that the Gunners have conceded in 5 of their last 6 matches in this tournament.
My prediction – Both teams to score – yes
