The Daily Star Ireland
Arsenal recently secured a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace in the English League Cup, advancing to the semi-finals. Last weekend, they faced the same team in a Premier League match, where they are currently in 3rd place, 4 points behind Chelsea in 2nd and 6 points behind league leaders Liverpool. Earlier in December, Arsenal dropped points in matches against Fulham (1-1) and Everton (0-0), allowing 4th-placed Nottingham Forest to close the gap to just 2 points.
Ipswich, struggling since the start of the season, is fighting to avoid relegation. The promoted team is currently in 18th place, the first relegation spot, having failed to secure a home win. They were recently beaten three times in a row before finally earning a 1-2 victory at Wolverhampton two weeks ago. They hosted Newcastle last Saturday, hoping to improve their situation.
Arsenal will be missing several key players, including full-backs White, Calafiori, and Zinchenko, along with backup Tomiyasu, all injured. Midfielder Rice may return after a physical setback. Upfront, both Saka and Havertz, who have each scored five Premier League goals, remain crucial to the team’s attacking force.
Ipswich will travel to Emirates Stadium with striker Delap (6 goals) returning from suspension. However, they will still be without forward Ogbene, who has not scored, and center forward Hirst, absent for a month. Additionally, full-back Tuanzebe is unavailable, and senior defender Greaves may also miss out. The most influential player behind Delap is Irishman Szmodics, who has scored three goals in the Premier League.
Prediction
Ipswich has struggled away from home, suffering nine defeats in 13 League One matches. Arsenal, meanwhile, has regained momentum, winning two of their last three league games.
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Ipswich.
