The Football Faithful
·27 December 2024
The Football Faithful
·27 December 2024
Arsenal welcome Ipswich Town to the Emirates on Friday evening as the festive schedule concludes in North London.
Mikel Arteta’s team can move up to second in the table with a win over the Tractor Boys, after Chelsea dropped points on Boxing Day. The Gunners thrashed Crystal Palace 5-1 last weekend to breath new life into their title challenge, though have a nine-point gap to close on leaders Liverpool.
Tonight’s contest will be the first meeting between the teams since 2011 and the first in the league since Freddie Ljungberg scored a brace in a 2-0 win for Arsenal during the 2001/02 campaign.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is set for a long spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury at Crystal Palace. Arteta revealed the 23-year-old is facing ‘many weeks’ out with the issue. Raheem Sterling is also facing an extended spell in the treatment room with a knee issue, leaving Arsenal short in the final third.
Defensive duo Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain absent, though Oleksandr Zinchenko is in contention to face Ipswich.
Compensating for Saka’s absence will be crucial for The Gunners, who will hope Gabriel Jesus can continue his recent form. The Brazilian has scored five goals in his last two games, ending a barren run in style.
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Jesus, Havertz, Trossard.
Arsenal host Ipswich in the Premier League on Friday December 27th 2024. Kick-off at the Emirates is 20:15 GMT.
Arsenal vs Ipswich will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video to a UK audience.