Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has named a very strong side for the League Cup tie at League One side Port Vale.
Bukayo Saka comes into the starting XI after his return from injury while midfielder Mikel Merino leads the line in attack.
Arsenal have only won the League Cup twice – and not since 1993.
Could this be their year?
Arsenal team news
You cannot accuse Arteta of taking this tie lightly.
England internationals Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze and Saka all play, as does weekend super sub Gabriel Martinelli.
🔵 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔘
🧤 Kepa between the sticks
🆕 Norgaard makes full debut
©️ Saka skippers the sideLet’s get our cup run off to a winning start, Gunners 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 24, 2025
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also gets a start.
Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Norgaard, Eze; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Port Vale team news
Forward Mo Faal has recovered from a hamstring injury and is on the bench.
Mitch Clark, Liam Gordon and Kyle John remain sidelined so Ruari Paton gets a game in attack.
Port Vale XI: Gauci; Humphreys, Debrah, Hall; Lawrence-Gabriel, Croasdale, Hall, Walters, Headley; Curtis, Paton