Arsenal's League Cup journey kicks off on Tuesday with an away match against Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
The defending champions have made a perfect start to the season, winning all five of their matches across competitions. In a tough test against Sunderland last weekend, Mikel Arteta's side secured the win thanks to two pivotal moments: David Raya's stunning penalty save from Enzo Le Fee and Bruno Guimaraes's early exquisite strike. Currently, the Gunners share the summit of the Premier League table with Manchester City, who they faced in last year's League Cup final.
Ipswich Town, since their return to the top flight, have shown they can hold their own, claiming victories in two of their first four league encounters. A late goal from Zian Fleming secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Crystal Palace, while in the League Cup second round, Gary O'Neil's men triumphed over Leicester City with a score of 3-1.
While Arsenal have not lifted the League Cup in the 21st century, their squad depth is greater than ever. Arteta has at least two world-class players for every position, meaning wholesale changes shouldn't disrupt their rhythm. For Ipswich, this match offers a chance to gauge their strength against the champions without any tournament pressure. Historically, Arsenal have been dominant against the Tractor Boys, winning six of their last seven encounters, including a trio of matches with a combined score of 8-0.
Team news and probable line-ups
The hosts suffer a setback as summer signing Emerson is sidelined with a muscle injury sustained against Crystal Palace. Should he miss out, Fleming or former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom is expected to lead the line. Jack Taylor and Azor Matusiva are also unavailable due to injuries.
Probable Ipswich Town line-up (4-2-3-1):
Christian Walton; Dara O'Shea, Issa Diop, Cedric Kipre, Leif Davis; Marcelino Nunez, Mateus Luis; Jayden Philogene, Julio Enciso, Jack Clarke; Zian Fleming.
As for Arsenal, Ben White has picked up a groin injury at the Stadium of Light and is set to be replaced by Jurriën Timber on the right flank. With William Saliba and Cristian Mosquera still recovering, the centre-back pairing will consist of Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes. Bruno Guimaraes is expected to be rested ahead of their trip to the Amex, allowing Martin Subimendi, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, and Victor Dijkeresh to start. Young talents Max Dauman and Noni Madueke may replace Christos Tsolis on the flanks, while Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to take the gloves.
Probable Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1):
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Jurriën Timber, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Incapie; Martin Subimendi, Mikel Merino; Max Dauman, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke; Victor Dijkeresh.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 local time at Portman Road, with Peter Banks officiating.
