Arsenal’s expected lineup for their match against Ipswich Town sees the return of a £42 million player and a key decision regarding Gabriel Martinelli.
As Arsenal prepares to face Ipswich at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, they are looking to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool. The team enjoyed a strong run leading up to Christmas, securing a Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace and then dominating them in the Premier League.
In their ongoing title challenge, Arsenal will face Ipswich, who are struggling near the bottom of the table but are just two points from safety. However, they will be without the influential Bukayo Saka, who is set to miss several weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Injuries remain a concern for Mikel Arteta, with Saka’s absence being the most significant. Raheem Sterling is also expected to be sidelined for a few weeks with a knee injury, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain long-term absentees. On the positive side, Oleksandr Zinchenko could make his return after being unavailable since early December.
For the predicted starting XI against Ipswich, one possible change in defense might see Riccardo Calafiori replace Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, as the £42 million Italian is expected to be fully fit. David Raya will likely start in goal, with Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, and Jurrien Timber completing the defense.
In midfield, Declan Rice is expected to return, with Kai Havertz possibly moving back into a forward role. Gabriel Martinelli could switch to the right wing, allowing Gabriel Jesus to play on the left.
Arsenal’s anticipated starting lineup against Ipswich: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus.
