Football Prediction | Arsenal vs Ipswich | English Premier League | December 28 – Will Arsenal Breeze Past Struggling Ipswich to Keep Pressure on the Leaders?

Premier League action continues as Arsenal hosts Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, December 28th, 2024, at 2:15 AM (GMT). Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will look to capitalize on their strong form this season, aiming to strengthen their position at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town will be seeking an upset, but will face a tough challenge against one of the league’s most formidable sides.

Arsenal vs Ipswich Form Guide

Arsenal

Arsenal’s attacking play has been a highlight this season, with their ability to break down opponents using width and creating chances from set-pieces. With the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus in attack, they have the tools to dismantle any defense. Defensively, they’ve shown strength in set-pieces and have a solid structure at the back, but there are concerns regarding offside traps and their defensive vulnerabilities against quick, skillful players.

Ipswich

Ipswich Town has displayed resilience, with a focus on aerial duels and aggressive play. However, their weaknesses lie in finishing chances and defending against through-ball attacks. Ipswich has struggled to maintain possession against top sides and will need to significantly improve in these areas to challenge Arsenal’s attacking force. Despite this, their aggressive style and long-ball approach could pose some questions for Arsenal if they aren’t careful.

Arsenal vs Ipswich Key Battles

Kai Havertz vs Sammie Szmodics

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, with 6 goals, takes on Ipswich’s Sammie Szmodics, who has scored 3 goals. Havertz, known for his versatility and ability to contribute both in the box and from midfield, will be a key attacking threat for Arsenal. Szmodics, though less prolific, will be eager to make an impact for Ipswich with his sharp movements and creativity. This battle between the two forwards will be crucial in determining which side can get the better of their opponent’s defense.

Bukayo Saka vs Omari Hutchinson

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, with an impressive 15 combined goals and assists, faces Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson, who has contributed 2. Saka’s creativity, vision, and ability to deliver key moments make him one of Arsenal’s standout players. Hutchinson will look to provide an energetic presence for Ipswich, but he faces a tough task against the talented Saka. This clash will be key in determining which player can influence the game more in the final third. 

Also read:- Football Prediction | Liverpool vs Leicester City | English Premier League | December 27

Arsenal vs Ipswich Tactical Outlook

Arsenal is a team that shines with their attacking style, particularly down the wings where they are very strong. Their strengths also include finishing scoring chances, attacking set pieces, and defending set pieces, which make them a balanced team in both attack and defense. Arsenal’s style revolves around possession football, with an emphasis on short passes and controlling the game in the opposition’s half. 

Ipswich, while strong in aerial duels, faces significant challenges in other areas. Their weaknesses are apparent in attack, as they struggle to finish scoring chances and keep possession of the ball. They also have difficulties defending against skillful players, protecting the lead, and preventing attacks that involve through balls, which they are particularly vulnerable to. Ipswich’s tactical approach involves taking long shots, playing long balls, and attacking down the right, though they often play in their own half and rotate their first eleven frequently. 

Head-to-Head Encounters

The current head-to-head record between Arsenal and Ipswich is Arsenal 1 win(s), Ipswich Town 1 win(s), and 0 draw(s). Arsenal are the favorites to win the match, according to the bookmakers, with odds of 1.14 for an Arsenal win, 8.00 for a draw, and 19.00 for Ipswich Town to win.

Injury News and Suspensions

Arsenal

Arsenal are navigating several injury concerns as they prepare for the coming fixtures. Oleksandr Zinchenko is doubtful due to a knock, while Ben White is dealing with a knee injury and is not expected to return until late January 2025. Bukayo Saka is also recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to be out until late January 2025. Takehiro Tomiyasu is dealing with a knee injury and is expected to return by early January 2025. 

Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town is also facing injury and suspension issues. Sam Morsy will be unavailable due to suspension, while Axel Tuanzebe is sidelined with a hamstring injury, expected to return by late December 2024. Chiedozie Ogbene is dealing with an Achilles tendon injury and is set to miss the remainder of the season, with a return expected in early May 2025. Cieran Slicker is doubtful due to a muscle injury.

Arsenal vs Ipswich Possible Playing Squad

Arsenal

Martinelli, Jesus, Saka, Havertz, Partey, Ødegaard, Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber, Raya (GK)

Ipswich

Chaplin, Szmodics, Hutchinson, Burns, Cajuste, Morsy, Davis, Burgess, O’Shea, Clarke, Muric (GK)

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Arsenal will enter as clear favorites, given their current form and squad strength. Ipswich will need to improve in key areas such as possession and finishing to stand a chance against Arteta’s side. Arsenal’s attacking capabilities and dominance in possession should see them control much of the match.

Score Prediction

Arsenal 3-0 Ipswich. Arsenal’s superior attacking play and defensive solidity should lead to a comfortable victory.