How big will the rotation be for the Gunners?
Following their top Premier League match against Manchester City (1-1), the Gunners travel to third-tier Stoke-on-Trent. There is no getting around the clear favoritism of the visitors in the Port Vale vs. Arsenal tip, even if major rotations are expected in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup.
The home side are nicknamed “the Brave”. Courageous and without complaint, the third division newcomers face Arteta’s team in the third round of the EFL Cup. However, we cannot give the underdogs realistic prospects of a surprise victory in the Port Vale vs. Arsenal prediction.
The Valiants could well avoid a heavy defeat given their improving form. Head coach Darren Moore’s team started the season in League One with seven games without a win, but have recently turned things around with two consecutive league victories.
Moore’s defense has rarely been a problem this season, and certainly not in the first two rounds of the EFL Cup (1-0 vs. Blackpool, 1-0 vs. Birmingham). However, the third-division side has reason to complain about its own offense, which, according to the Port Vale vs. Arsenal betting odds, should not be trusted.
The Black and Whites have failed to score in four of their nine League One matches so far. After nine matchdays, Devante Cole remains the only professional in the Brave squad to have scored more than one league goal (three). In addition, the hosts have scored only one goal in each of the previous two rounds – both with headers.
Even with a few rotations in mind, the Gunners’ defense should be able to keep a clean sheet. These types of games are a specialty of the visitors under Mikel Arteta. The North Londoners have kept four clean sheets in their first six competitive games. However, their own offense has rarely been convincing. That’s why we’re choosing a Port Vale vs. Arsenal odds of 2.28 and playing “Both teams to score – No & Under 3.5 goals.”
Port Vale – Arsenal Head-to-head record
These two clubs have rarely met in a competitive match. In 1997/98, Port Vale forced the Gunners into a play-off with a 0-0 draw in the third round of the FA Cup. After a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, the match was decided on penalties, with Arsenal narrowly winning 4-3.
Darren Moore’s team is adept at defending the dangerous areas around their own penalty area. Port Vale has already played twelve competitive games this season. Nine appearances ended with a maximum of one goal conceded and five clean sheets already collected.
Port Vale – Arsenal Tip
A likely changed team from North London will have to work hard to earn their victory away at third-tier Port Vale. The hosts have found their form after a few teething problems and have won four of their last six competitive games.
The third-division side’s defense has conceded less than 0.5 expected goals in each of the previous two rounds of the EFL Cup, giving them less than one expected goal against after two cup appearances. Defending is in the Brave’s DNA.
The motivation against the top favorites from London could hardly be greater. In addition, the Gunners have often lacked the decisive idea in their play so far – especially against deep-lying opponents, they have rarely created goal-scoring opportunities without set pieces.
A clean sheet victory for the visitors is likely, but it does not offer profitable odds. The potential winnings are more appealing if the total number of goals in this match plays a role.
