The Round of 16 clash in the English League Cup between Port Vale and Arsenal will take place on September 24 at the John Smith's Stadium. Port Vale vs. Arsenal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Port Vale
The team has already navigated two stages in the current English League Cup campaign. On both occasions, they played away and won by the same scoreline of 1-0 against Blackpool and Birmingham. Last year, Port Vale was knocked out in the first round, losing away to Barrow (2-3). However, in the 2023/24 season, the team reached the quarter-finals, marking their best performance in this century.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 6 of their last 8 matches in this tournament (5 wins and 1 draw).
- No more than 3 goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 6 of Port Vale's last 7 League Cup games.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 5 of the team's last 7 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Port Vale (3-5-2)
Joe Gosi – Cameron Humphreys, Connor Hall, Jesse Debra – Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel, Ryan Croasdale, George Byers, Ben Garrity, Liam Gordon – Devante Cole, Ruari Paton.
Arsenal
As expected for top Premier League teams, the Londoners start their League Cup journey from this round. Over the past 15 years, the Gunners have won this tournament twice – in 2011 and 2018. They have also reached the semi-finals twice, with the most recent being last season, where Mikel Arteta's side lost both legs 0-2 to Newcastle.
- The Londoners have not drawn in regular time in this tournament for 9 consecutive matches (4 wins and 5 losses).
- Arsenal has not lost in regular time in 9 of their last 11 away matches in the League Cup (5 wins and 4 draws).
- The team has not conceded in the second half in 6 of their last 8 away games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya – Gabriel Magalhães, Jurrien Timber, Cristian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori – Martin Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino – Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres.
Referee
Andrew Kitchen (England)
Matches – 5 (Championship and English League Cup, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 13;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 20%.
Port Vale vs. Arsenal: Match Prediction
The Gunners face a relatively easy opponent from the third-tier division. However, we know well how lower league teams approach games against Premier League sides with great determination. The Londoners are unlikely to receive a warm welcome, especially as the hosts have started the tournament well and have already eliminated a Championship side, playing away.
In the upcoming match, I expect both clubs to find the net. Port Vale has scored in 11 of their last 13 League Cup matches. Arsenal is, of course, the stronger side and, even with a second-string lineup, should progress past this opponent. However, it's worth noting that the Gunners have conceded in 5 of their last 6 matches in this tournament.
My prediction – Both teams to score – yes
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match.
