Arsenal will conclude 2024 at the Emirates by hosting a struggling Ipswich Town as they look to keep their title aspirations alive. The Gunners recently delivered another electrifying performance against Crystal Palace, following up their Carabao Cup semifinal qualification with a dominant victory at Selhurst Park, where Gabriel Jesus starred once again.
The Brazilian forward came close to securing consecutive hattricks against Palace, ultimately settling for a brace and an assist. Arsenal netted five goals, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice also getting on the scoresheet. However, the match was overshadowed by a severe hamstring injury to Bukayo Saka, sidelining him for an extended period.
Next up for Arsenal is their 18th Premier League game of the year, with the Gunners having suffered only one league defeat in 2024—to Aston Villa. Mikel Arteta will aim to finish the year on a high note, with a victory over Ipswich crucial for maintaining their place in the title race, despite the current challenges.
Ipswich Town, second from bottom in the league standings, faces the risk of slipping further into relegation trouble. Kieran McKenna’s side endured a heavy home defeat to Newcastle United, with Alexander Isak’s hattrick extending Ipswich’s winless streak at Portman Road to nine games. While they did secure an away victory at Wolves recently, replicating that performance at the Emirates seems unlikely against a home team unbeaten this season.
Although Ipswich maintains some distance from bottom-placed Southampton, McKenna must devise strategies to lift his team out of the relegation zone and boost their survival chances heading into 2025.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
The major setback for Arsenal is the absence of Bukayo Saka, with Mikel Arteta confirming the winger will be out for “many weeks.” This injury has fueled speculation about signing a new attacker in January.
For now, Gabriel Martinelli could continue on the right flank after impressing there against Crystal Palace, with Leandro Trossard likely taking up the left-wing role. Alternatively, Gabriel Jesus might shift to the left, allowing Kai Havertz to operate centrally. Havertz was used in midfield against Palace, but Declan Rice is expected to reclaim that role alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard.
Riccardo Calafiori, returning from injury, is set to replace Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, adding depth to the defense.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus
Ipswich Town
Kieran McKenna will be without suspended Sam Morsy, while Chiedozie Ogbene, Janoi Donacien, George Hirst, and Axel Tuanzebe also remain unavailable. However, former Arsenal player Omari Hutchinson is expected to start despite concerns following his early substitution in the last match.
Kalvin Phillips, on loan from Manchester City, will partner with Jens Cajuste in midfield. Camron Burgess and Dara O’Shea are expected to anchor the defense, with Harry Clarke and Leif Davis as full-backs. Conor Chaplin will operate in the attacking midfield role, flanked by Sam Szmodics on the left, while Liam Delap will lead the attack against Arsenal’s solid defensive pairing of Saliba and Gabriel.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Muric; Clarke, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Phillips, Cajuste; Hutchinson, Chaplin, Szmodics; Delap
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