"Arsenal boast a much improved strength-in-depth this season, and manager Mikel Arteta will be glad for it after a slew of early season injuries. Bukayo Saka made a welcome return against City, but the in-form winger Noni Madueke picked up an injury in the same game and is facing a two-month spell on the sidelines. Martin Ødegaard and Piero Hincapié remain injury doubts for this game, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also unavailable."
"Cup wins over fellow League One stugglers Blackpool and Championship side Birmingham City provided coach Darren Moore with some respite, and they'll hope to keep their streak of upsets going against Arsenal. Devante Cole, son of former Manchester United striker Andy Cole, has been instrumental in Port Vale's recent wins, with four goal involvements (three goals, one assists) in three appearances so far since joining the club on deadline day this summer."
"The two teams have faced each other only in the FA Cup in modern times, with most games occuring before 1927. In the 1998 FA Cup, Arsenal were held to a goalless draw at Highbury in the third round, before winning 4-3 on penalties in the replay at Vale Park, which saw Dennis Bergkamp and Wayne Corden score for either side."
Arsenal travel to Port Vale to begin their Carabao Cup campaign after drawing 1-1 with Manchester City thanks to an injury-time equaliser from Gabriel Martinelli. The squad depth has improved but injuries have affected selection; Bukayo Saka returned while Noni Madueke faces around two months out, and Martin Ødegaard, Piero Hincapié, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are unavailable or doubtful. Arteta is likely to make changes and use youngsters such as 15-year-old Max Dowman ahead of a challenging weekend trip to Newcastle. Port Vale have recent cup wins and Devante Cole has been a key contributor.
Read at ESPN.com
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