The Tractor Boys are targeting an upset against the Premier League champions in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
By Graham Ruthven
Team to beat
Arsenal have started the new season like they finished last season â like champions. Mikel ArtetaâÂÂs team have won six out of six games in all competitions with the Gunners intent on competing on multiple fronts for silverware.ÃÂ
ItâÂÂs been 33 years since Arsenal last lifted the Carabao Cup. Arteta might desire the Premier League and Champions League trophies more, but the North London outfit are currently the team to beat in every domestic competition.
Ipswich Town are buoyant after a positive start to the league season. The Tractor Boys are fresh from beating Crystal Palace and have demonstrated their ability to upset higher-calibre opponents. Arsenal must be careful.
Arsenal have won the last three encounters with Ipswich by a combined scoreline of 8-0. Ipswich have also conceded 10 goals in their first four league games of the season, hinting at a soft underbelly.
Arteta could rotate his squad for the visit to Portman Road with a tricky trip to Brighton looming this weekend. Nonetheless, the Gunners have the depth to make the next round.
Key players
Zian Flemming scored his first goal as an Ipswich Town player against Crystal Palace and will be a threat in and around the penalty box on Tuesday evening.
Abdul Fatawu has created more chances than any other Ipswich player this season with Julio Enciso also a creative hub for the Tractor Boys. If Ipswich are to produce an upset, these two players will surely have to perform.
Leif Davis has three goal contributions in four outings this season, but might not have much freedom to get forward against Arsenal such is the attacking threat of the Gunners heading in the other direction.
Viktor Gyökeres could be handed his first start of the season. The Swedish striker is currently ArsenalâÂÂs second-choice number nine behind Kai Havertz and must make the most of every opportunity he is afforded.
Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino might also be pushed into the starting lineup along with Martin Zubimendi who could give Declan Rice a well-earned rest in central midfield.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapié are two further fringe figures expected to feature in some capacity at Portman Road. ArsenalâÂÂs squad depth will be on display in this third round tie.
Team news
Brazilian forward Emersonn will be assessed after sustaining a minor in SaturdayâÂÂs away win over Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old might not be risked with Ipswich facing Everton in the Premier League this weekend.
Jack Taylor is sidelined for Ipswich. Otherwise, Gary OâÂÂNeil has a fully fit and available squad to choose from for the visit of Arsenal.
William Saliba is still ruled out through injury for the Gunners while Cristhian Mosquera is also unavailable. This could give Arteta no choice but to stick with Gabriel Magalhães and Ezri Konsa in central defence.
Prediction
Ipswich Town 0-2 Arsenal.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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