Preview: Port Vale vs Arsenal

Arsenal dey go EFL Cup third round clash against Port Vale for Wednesday night, and na one fixture wey dey carry small history but plenty expectations.

Gunners never too flex muscle for this competition since 1993 when dem last lift am, but Arteta go use this game test squad depth as dem dey chase Premier League and Champions League glory.

Port Vale on the other hand don already shock Blackpool and Birmingham to reach this stage, and Darren Moore men dey come into this match with small confidence after recent league wins. But dem know say facing Arsenal no be beans.

Match Preview

Arsenal just commot from one tough 1-1 draw against Man City, match wey show say Gunners still dey learn how to kill off big teams. Martinelli late equaliser save face, but truth be say na two points lost.

Against Port Vale, Gunners suppose remove handbrake. Arteta likely go rotate squad give young boys and fringe players chance. With players like Saka just dey regain fitness, e go be good time test squad balance.

Port Vale own story different. After rough start for League One, dem don find small form, even score last-minute winner against Mansfield. But history dey against them – dem last beat Arsenal when dem still dey call am Woolwich back in 1901!

Team News

Arsenal:
Injury wahala still dey plenty. Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Havertz (knee) and Odegaard (shoulder) dey out. Madueke join list with knee injury, Hincapie miss last match with groin knock.

But Saka and Ben White dey available again, and Arteta fit start dem for sharpness. Youngsters like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly dey expected to feature.

Possible XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Norgaard, Merino; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Port Vale:
Mo Faal don recover from hamstring, but dem still dey short for wing with Gordon, Clark and John all sidelined. Expect Ronan Curtis to lead the line.

Possible XI: Gauci; Humphreys, Debrah, Heneghan; Gabriel, Croasdale, Garrity, Byers, Shorrock; Cole, Curtis.

TPB Prediction

No matter Port Vale small run, Arsenal suppose too much for them. Rotation or not, players wey dey hungry for minutes go wan impress Arteta. Gunners fit use intensity and quality overwhelm Vale.

We say: Port Vale 0-3 Arsenal

Arsenal go cruise, secure quarter-final ticket and shift focus back to league.