3 talking points ahead of Port Vale vs Arsenal

Arsenal kick off their Carabao Cup campaign with a third-round clash against League One side Port Vale this evening.

The Gunners will be looking to return to winning ways after holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in their last outing. Gabriel Martinelli was the saviour as he equalised with a brilliant dinked effort in stoppage time after Erling Haaland had put the Cityzens ahead in the first half.

As Arsenal look to make it the next round of the cup, there are three key talking points ahead of their trip to face Port Vale.

1. Chances to impress

With this being a trip to a side two divisions below, Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his side and that will present a number of back-up players a chance to impress.

Kepa Arrizabalaga will likely make his Gunners debut and should be looking to capitalise on one of the few chances he will get to make a case for displacing David Raya. Christian Nørgaard should also come into the side at the base of midfield.

Most eyes will be turned to Max Dowman as he faces his first potential start as a senior Arsenal player. However, he is unlikely to be involved from the off, but should he come off the bench, he will hope to make the most of every minute he's on the pitch.

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