Arsenal is poised to commence their Carabao Cup quest with an away fixture against Ipswich Town, a team recently promoted to the top flight. The Gunners are striving to end a long drought in this competition, having not claimed the trophy since 1993. Both clubs come into this match with considerable momentum, making it an anticipated clash. Arsenal has been in formidable form, securing six consecutive victories across all competitions, showcasing their strength and depth. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town, under Gary O'Neil's guidance, has also demonstrated their capabilities with successive wins against Crystal Palace and Leicester City, building confidence as they return to top-tier football. This encounter represents a significant test for both squads as they aim to progress in the cup tournament.
Historically, Arsenal has had a mixed record in the Carabao Cup since their last triumph, reaching four finals but failing to clinch the title, most recently losing to Manchester City. Their previous Carabao Cup meeting with Ipswich was in the 2010-11 semi-finals, where Ipswich secured a 1-0 first-leg win before Arsenal turned the tie around with a 3-0 victory at the Emirates. A notable narrative for this match is the potential appearance of Chuba Akpom, an Ipswich striker who emerged from Arsenal's academy, adding a layer of personal significance to the contest. The match at Portman Road is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with an 8:00 PM BST kick-off, and will be officiated by Peter Bankes, without VAR. The last time these two teams met was in April 2025, with Arsenal securing a dominant 4-0 win in the Premier League.
Anticipated Lineups and Player Availability
Ipswich Town faces minimal new injury concerns, with Jack Taylor and Azor Matusiwa remaining sidelined due to knee and thigh injuries, respectively, neither having played this season. Emersonn, who experienced quad tightness in the Crystal Palace game, was likely to be rested regardless. Zian Flemming is expected to lead the line for Ipswich, despite having previously featured for Burnley in the competition this season, as he is eligible to play for Ipswich. This tactical decision highlights Ipswich's focus on maintaining squad rotation and freshness. The predicted starting XI for Ipswich (4-2-3-1) features Walton in goal, a defensive line of O'Shea, Diop, Greaves, and Davis, a midfield pivot of Palacios and Nunez, with an attacking trio of Philogene, Enciso, and Maeda supporting lone striker Flemming.
Arsenal will be without William Saliba, who is recovering from a back injury and is not expected back for several months. Ben White is a fresh concern after sustaining a groin issue against Sunderland, adding to Arteta's defensive worries. Cristhian Mosquera also remains a doubt, prompting manager Mikel Arteta to consider up to nine changes to his starting lineup. Kepa Arrizabalaga is slated to continue his role as the cup goalkeeper, while Viktor Gyokeres is poised to spearhead the attack. The predicted starting XI for Arsenal (4-2-3-1) includes Kepa in goal, a back four of Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, and Hincapie, a midfield duo of Zubimendi and Guimaraes, with Madueke, Merino, and Eze providing offensive support to striker Gyokeres. These changes reflect Arteta's strategy to manage player fatigue and give opportunities to fringe players while maintaining a competitive edge.
Current Form and Recent Performances
Ipswich Town has adapted well to their return to the Premier League, securing an opening victory against Sunderland, followed by a cup win over Leicester, and a dramatic comeback against Crystal Palace. Zian Flemming's 90th-minute winner, after Axel Disasi's first-half red card, highlighted their resilience. However, defensive frailties remain a concern, as Ipswich has yet to keep a clean sheet this season and has conceded nine goals in their last three matches, indicating areas for improvement in their backline. Despite these defensive issues, their attacking prowess and ability to secure crucial wins suggest a team that is finding its rhythm in the top flight.
Arsenal has maintained a flawless start to their season, extending their winning streak with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland. Goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka in the second half, despite a controversial penalty saved by David Raya, secured the win. This victory marks a potential seven-game winning streak across all competitions, including the Community Shield, which would be their best start since the 2004-05 season. The Gunners have also demonstrated defensive solidity, keeping five clean sheets in their six matches played so far. This impressive run showcases Arsenal's strong form, tactical discipline, and overall team cohesion, positioning them as formidable contenders in both league and cup competitions.
