Title hopefuls Arsenal host relegation strugglers Ipswich at the Emirates on Friday.
WATCH — Arsenal v Ipswich
Mikel Arteta will be hoping his Arsenal side can show they can cope with the absence of Bukayo Saka. The England superstar suffered a serious hamstring injury in their 5-1 win at Crystal Palace at the weekend and will be missing for “many weeks” which is a big blow for the Gunners. Gabriel Jesus could line up as a right winger in Saka’s absence and it will take a collective effort from Arsenal’s entire forward unit to try and get near to replacing the creativity and output of Saka.
Ipswich are scrapping away in the relegation zone but were hammered 4-0 at home by Newcastle last time out. Still, Kieran McKenna’s side are within two points of safety and they would have taken that if you offered it to them at the start of the season. Ipswich are dangerous on the counter and from set pieces and will look to soak up pressure at Arsenal and make it two wins from two in north London this season after their shock win at Tottenham earlier in the campaign.
How to watch Arsenal vs Ipswich live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3:15pm ET Friday (December 27)
Venue: Emirates Stadium — London
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
Arsenal team news, focus
The big question is who will be tasked with replacing Saka in the Arsenal lineup? Jesus seems the obvious choice given his recent form and playing out on the right before, with Kai Havertz likely to play up top. Trossard and Martinelli both prefer the left, while Sterling being out injured is a blow too as he could have come in for Saka. Elsewhere Arteta has rotated heavily in recent weeks with Rice, Calafiori, Trossard, Jorginho and Merino all possibly coming into the lineup as the Gunners look to stay fresh.
OUT: Bukayo Saka (hamstring - MORE), Raheem Sterling (knee), Ben White (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Oleksandr Zinchenko (undisclosed)
Ipswich team news, focus
Liam Delap is back from suspension which is a huge boost for the Tractor Boys. He will lead the line and the likes of Szmodics and Hutchinson will try their best to support him on counters. Muric will have a busy day in goal and is capable of pulling off spectacular saves but Arsenal will try to pressure him to force a mistake with his feet.
OUT: Sam Morsy (suspension), Axel Tuanzebe (hamstring), George Hirst (knee), Janoi Donacien (groin), Chiedozie Ogbene (achilles - out for season)
Arsenal vs Ipswich prediction
This feels like an easy home win. Arsenal will start fast and it will be tough for Ipswich to launch the counters they thrive on. Arsenal 3-1 Ipswich.
