Port Vale Fixture Perfect for Arsenal Rotation and Youth Opportunities

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·24 September 2025

Port Vale Fixture Perfect for Arsenal Rotation and Youth Opportunities

Arsenal’s 2025/26 EFL Cup journey begins tonight as they are scheduled to take on Port Vale in the third round. Following the start of the Champions League campaign last week, the season is quickly gathering pace with the introduction of cup competitions. England’s secondary domestic cup provides most clubs with the opportunity to rotate their squads ahead of an increasingly busy schedule.

Aside from rotation, the fixture will also give Mikel Arteta the chance to provide a few players with much-needed game time. One potential disadvantage of having a deep squad is that it becomes difficult to keep everyone happy, and games like these can go a long way towards striking the right balance.

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Arteta confirms opportunities for rotation

Speaking to Arsenal media ahead of the encounter, Arteta confirmed that a number of players would receive valuable minutes. He also confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga will make his competitive debut.

“Yes, it’s a lot of players that are going to take part in that, and they fully deserve the minutes,” he explained. “Kepa, for sure, is one of them. He’s been with us, his attitude, the way he supports us in every aspect of his role in the best possible manner. All this as well, they deserve more minutes than what they’re getting.”

Kepa (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Fringe players and youngsters in line to feature

Beyond Arrizabalaga, several Arsenal players will be desperate to feature prominently. Christian Nørgaard is yet to start a game this season due to injury struggles, but he is in line for a midfield role. Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are also players who could do with a run out.

There could even be a debut for 15-year-old Max Dowman. The youngster was not involved with the first team last weekend, but he is likely to make the trip to Vale Park. With rotation expected across the board and given the recent injury to Noni Madueke, Dowman may be in line for a first Arsenal start.

These matches are crucial for maintaining sharpness across the squad, rewarding attitude and hard work, and ensuring the next generation gets valuable exposure.

Who would you most like to see in action tonight, Gooners?

Benjamin Kenneth

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