Ipswich Town vs Arsenal: Preview, Prediction & Lineups
Arsenal begin their Carabao Cup journey with a trip to face fellow Premier League side Ipswich Town in the third round on Tuesday night.
The Gunners enter the competition at this stage due to their involvement in Europe and they head into the match off the back of a 2-0 victory at Sunderland last time out. Moments after David Raya had saved a penalty from Enzo Le Fée, Bruno Guimarães put his side in front with a sensational strike from range before Bukayo Saka sealed the win with a late spot kick.
Ipswich continued their surprise start to the season with a 3-2 triumph at Crystal Palace in their previous outing. Anan Khalaili put the Eagles in front, but Emersonn and Leif Davis turned the game on its head before half-time. Jørgen Strand Larsen equalised for the hosts late on before Zian Flemming struck a dramatic winner late on.
Mikel Arteta took his side to the final of this competition last season and he will be hoping their trip to Portman Road can be the start of a similar journey, with hopes of claiming the prize this time round after losing out to Manchester City.
Here's our preview of Arsenal's Carabao Cup clash with Ipswich Town.
Ipswich Town vs Arsenal kicks off on Tuesday 15 September at 20:00 BST.
Emersonn, who scored in the win against Palace, is unlikely to be available after suffering with quad tightness ahead of his withdrawal at Selhurst Park.
Zian Flemming, who represented Burnley in the first and second rounds of the Carabao Cup, is eligible to replace him due to last season's rule changes, and will likely start at striker after winning the Palace game for his side.
Jack Taylor joins Emersonn on the sidelines with a knee injury while Azor Matusiwa, who has been absent with a thigh issue, has a chance to make the squad.
Predicted Ipswich Town lineup vs Arsenal: Walton; O'Shea, Diop, Greaves, Davis; Palacios, Nunez; Philogene, Enciso, Maeda; Flemming
Arteta will likely rotate heavily for this clash with the most changes coming in attack and defence. Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke will come in to make up the front three.
There could be room for Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi and Bruno Guimarães to come into midfield with their superiors, other than Myles Lewis-Skelly dropping down to the bench. The Hale End graduate may switch to left back for this test.
Arsenal's right back issue continued with Ben White being withdrawn for the returning Jurrien Timber at Sunderland. The England international is unlikely to be available for this clash while his Dutch counterpart will be forced to make an earlier return to the lineup than expected.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Ipswich Town: Kepa; Timber, Konsa, Hincapié, Lewis-Skelly; Guimarães, Zubimendi, Merino; Madueke, Gyökeres, Eze
An all-Premier League clash at this stage of the competition should offer up a potentially tasty affair with Ipswich likely looking to capitalise on Arsenal's rotation to produce an upset and progress to the next round.
However, full strength or not, the Gunners will be heavy favourites to win this tie and they will have their eye on producing a commanding victory in East Anglia.
The Tractor Boys will no doubt make it tough for Arteta's side at Portman Road, but Arsenal will likely take a comfortable victory to secure passage to the fourth round.
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