Title contenders Arsenal FC are set to welcome Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium in their final clash of the year on Friday night.
Arsenal will be hoping to secure the three points that will be on offer and reduce the huge gap between themselves and league leaders Liverpool FC, who hammered Leicester City 3-1 on Thursday.
The Gunners currently sit fourth in the table standings at the moment with 33 points, nine less than Liverpool.
A win for the Mikel Arteta tutored side will not only help them put pressure on the Reds but also jump into the second position that is currently being occupied by their London rivals Chelsea FC.
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Arsenal, who came close to lifting the coveted title last season, head into the game on the back of a commanding 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus scored a brace in that epic encounter that was staged at the Selhurst Park with Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz also finding the back of the net.
However, that clash came at a cost for Arsenal, who lost Three Lions’ mercurial winger Bukayo Saka to a hamstring injury.
Unlike Arsenal, Ipswich Town have had a challenging start to the 2024/2025 season that has seen them only pick up two victories in the league.
The poor form has made them remain stuck at the relegation zone with 12 points, six ahead of bottom-placed side Southampton FC.
The Tractor Boys’ visit to the Emirates Stadium comes less than a week after they were walloped 4-0 by Newcastle United.
Here are the essential details you need to understand ahead of the upcoming tie.
What time does Arsenal vs Ipswich Town start?
The game is planned to start at 11:15 PM East African Time on Friday night at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Ipswich Town Team News
Ipswich Town are expected to miss the services of Janoi Donacien (fitness), Axel Tuanzebe (thigh) and Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles).
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Moreover, George Hirst is out due to a knee issue while skipper Sam Morsy is unavailable for selection as a result of suspension after he accumulated more than five yellow cards.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to be without Saka for at least three weeks while the defensive duo of Ben White (knee), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) will also play no role in this match.
Besides the trio, Raheem Sterling is also guaranteed to miss this clash since he is recovering from a knee injury.
With the absence of Saka and Sterling, Arteta is likely to go with a strong attacking lineup that has the likes of Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Jesus.
Possible Starting Lineups
Arsenal: Raya, Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Martinelli, Jesus, Havertz
Ipswich Town: Muric, Davis, O’Shea, Greaves, Johnson, Phillips, Cajuste, Hutchinson, Clarke, Szmodics, Delap
Arsenal vs Ipswich Town Head-to-head
Arsenal and Ipswich Town have locked horns four times in all competitions since 2001 with the Gunners triumphing on three occasions. None of those matches ended in a draw.
In addition, Arsenal had an upper hand in their most recent clash that was played in January, 2011, securing a 3-0 win. Cesc Fabregas, Nicklas Bendtner and Laurent Koscienly were on the scored in that memorable game.
Arsenal: 3
Draw: 0
Ipswich Town: 1
Arsenal vs Ipswich Town Current Premier League Form
Arsenal: WWDDW
Ipswich Town: LLLWL
Arsenal vs Ipswich Town Predictions
Arsenal are the favorites to shine in this match because they are currently enjoying a good form and they will be playing at their home stadium.
However, although Ipswich Town have found it difficult to thrive in the Premier League, they should not be ruled out of returning to East Anglia with something from this match.
Therefore, football fans should expect an entertaining game that is likely to end with both clubs getting several goal scoring opportunities.
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