Port Vale vs Arsenal: How to watch, TV channel, kick-off time, Gunners team news

Arsenal take on Port Vale in the third-round of the EFL Cup (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal are set to face off against League One side Port Vale in a third-round Carabao Cup clash, a match that sees the Premier League heavyweights pitted against determined underdogs. The Gunners have made a solid start to the 2025/26 season, securing victories in four out of their six matches across all competitions.

Following Gabriel Martinelli's last-minute equaliser that salvaged a draw against Manchester City on Sunday, Arsenal's clash against Port Vale presents an opportunity to build some momentum. It also gives manager Mikel Arteta a chance to shuffle his squad ahead of a challenging period, which includes a trip to Newcastle, three London derbies and a Champions League face-off with Atletico Madrid.

When is Port Vale vs Arsenal?

The match is set for Wednesday, September 24, with kick-off slated for 8pm BST. It will take place at Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent, the home ground of Port Vale, which can accommodate around 15,000 spectators.

What channel is Port Vale vs Arsenal on?

UK viewers can tune into the live action on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage commencing at 7pm. Sky Sports Ultra HDR will also be broadcasting the game for an enhanced viewing experience.

Streaming options include the Sky Go app for subscribers or NOW TV for those without a contract - ideal for last-minute sign-ups. Post-match highlights and catch-up will be available on the Sky Sports app and website.

Arsenal team news

Arsenal face some selection dilemmas due to injuries. Noni Madueke is out after a knee injury picked up in the City draw. Although the setback is not as serious as initially feared, the former Chelsea man is expected to spend around two months on the treatment table .

Noni Madueke is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines (Image: Getty Images)

Captain Martin Odegaard is managing a shoulder issue that could sideline him, while Piero Hincapie is also doubtful with a minor knock. Longer-term absentees include Gabriel Jesus (knee) and Kai Havertz (knee).

On the bright side, Bukayo Saka has returned from a hamstring injury and may feature, as he did from the bench against City. With rotation likely, expect starts for the likes of Ethan Nwaneri , Eberechi Eze , and Kepa Arrizabalaga .

For Port Vale, defenders Liam Gordon, Mitch Clark, and Kyle John are all uncertain. Mo Faal's return from a hamstring issue boosts Vale's attack as they look to channel the spirit of their back-to-back draws against Arsenal in 1998.

Port Vale manager Darren Moore will be hoping to inspire an upset against Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

When is the fourth-round draw?

The Carabao Cup fourth-round draw takes place immediately after Port Vale vs Arsenal. It is expected to start at around 10pm, but the exact time will depend on when the match concludes, with penalties on the cards if the two teams cannot be separated after normal time.

The draw will be aired live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, and Sky Sports News, with streaming options available through Sky Go and the Sky Sports app.