It should have been a weekend of celebration for Mikel Arteta’s side after they beat Crystal Palace 5-1, but fans had little to cheer about after pictures of Bukayo Saka on crutches emerged after the match.
Arsenal are still in the title hunt, but Saka’s prolonged absence will ensure that the coming period will be difficult. This was supposed to be the Gunners’ year after two successive second-place finishes, but the gods have so far conspired against Arteta’s rivals.
However, they are expected to end the year on a high when they take on newly promoted Tractor Boys. Kieran McKenna has done wonders at Portman Road, but their top-flight adventure currently looks like a bridge too far.
Ipswich ranks 19th in the table with 12 points from 17 matches. They were beaten 4-0 at home by Newcastle at the weekend and have lost four of their previous five matches.
here 90 minutes A clue to this Friday night clash.
Arsenal and Ipswich live results (last five matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Arsenal |
Ipswich |
|---|---|
|
Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal – 12/21/24 |
Ipswich 0-4 Newcastle – 12/21/24 |
|
Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace – 12/18/24 |
Wolverhampton 1-2 Ipswich – 12/14/24 |
|
Arsenal 0-0 Everton – 12/14/24 |
Ipswich 1-2 Bournemouth – 12/08/24 |
|
Arsenal 3-0 Monaco – 12/11/24 |
Ipswich 0-1 Crystal Palace – 12/03/24 |
|
Fulham 1-1 Arsenal – 12/08/24 |
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Ipswich – 30/11/24 |
|
nation |
TV Channel/Live Broadcast |
|---|---|
|
UK |
Amazon Prime Video |
|
US |
fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, UNIVERSO |
|
Canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
The Gunners were dealt a major blow after Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday that Bukayo Saka would be sidelined for several weeks after tearing his hamstring at Selhurst Park. The winger could be out of action until March.
raheem sterling, Which could have mitigated Saka’s absenceis currently absent due to a knee injury that is set to keep him out of action for several weeks.
On a brighter note, Riccardo Calafiore came off the bench at the weekend after another break and could return to the lineup on Friday. Oleksandr Zinchenko could also return to the matchday squad.
Declan Rice impressed off the bench on Saturday and is a sure bet to join Arteta’s starting XI.
Arsenal’s expected lineup against Ipswich (4-3-3): tape; Timber, Saliba, Gabriele, Calafiore; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus.
Captain Sam Morsi will miss Friday’s match after receiving his fifth warning this season against Newcastle on Saturday. Kalvin Phillips should come to the midfield position for McKenna and his partner Jens Kajusti.
Ipswich are currently without George Hurst, Axel Tuanzebe and Chidozie Ogbin due to long-term injury setbacks, but Cieran Slicker is close to returning from a muscle injury.
Liam Delap has returned from suspension and will replace Conor Chaplin at the top.
Ipswich expected formation against Arsenal (4-2-3-1):Moric; Clark, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Phillips, Cajuste. Burns, Hutchinson, Smodex; Delab.
Ipswich took first place Premier League The side had won in over 20 when they last visited north London, but while Arsenal are missing key man Saka, they still present a tougher challenge than Tottenham.
Arteta will once again rely on the strength of his squad in the absence of their star winger, with the manager needing a surge from almost every member of the squad in order to fill the huge void in Saka. The Englishman has played in a one-man attacking role at times this season.
Arsenal It will be defined by functionality and efficiency over the next few weeks, and will have enough to outpace Friday’s visitors. However, much more difficult challenges remain ahead of us.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Ipswich
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