Ipswich Town manager Gary O’Neil has admitted Arsenal can be difficult to stop even when opponents get their game plan right ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash.
The Tractor Boys welcome the reigning Premier League champions to Portman Road hoping to produce a major third-round upset.
Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his side, but O’Neil believes Arsenal’s structure makes them particularly difficult to exploit regardless of who starts.
Speaking to [Kings of Anglia](https://www.kingsofanglia.com/sport/26547030.ipswich-town-v-arsenal---gary-oneil-previews-carabao-cup-clash), O’Neil said: **“Arsenal are tough to beat, even if you do everything right.”**
That assessment should interest Arteta as he prepares to make changes following victories over Napoli and Sunderland.
ReadArsenal’s predicted Arsenal XI against Ipswich includes several possible rotations, with academy talent also pushing for opportunities.
Gary O’Neil identifies Arsenal problem
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O’Neil believes understanding Arsenal tactically is considerably easier than actually preventing Arteta’s players from implementing their plan.
He told Kings of Anglia: **“Prepping the game from a tactical point of view will be fairly straightforward.”**
The problem comes once the match begins.
O’Neil added that **“stopping them and stopping what they do will not be straightforward.”**
Arsenal have developed a clear identity under Arteta, particularly in their ability to dominate territory, control possession and remain structurally secure when the personnel changes.
That depth could be particularly important on Tuesday.
Ben White is a major doubt after suffering a fresh groin problem at Sunderland, while Cristhian Mosquera is pushing to return.
ReadArsenal’s latest Arsenal injury news before Ipswich explains the complete situation.
Ipswich ready to attack Arsenal challenge
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O’Neil nevertheless insists Ipswich will not approach the tie simply looking to contain Arsenal.
The Ipswich boss said his side will **“give it our best go at home under the lights”** as they attempt to reach the fourth round.
Confidence should be high after Ipswich’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.
ReadArsenal looked at the threat posed by O’Neil’s side after their late win at Selhurst Park.
Arsenal were [drawn away to Ipswich in August](https://readarsenal.com/2026/08/26/arsenal-handed-ipswich-away-tie-in-carabao-cup-third-round/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), setting up their first League Cup meeting since the 2010/11 semi-finals.
Arteta will be expected to rotate at Portman Road.
O’Neil clearly does not believe that will necessarily make Arsenal much easier to stop.