Ipswich Town take on Arsenal in the League Cup tonight, and they know they will be hosting one of the best clubs in the world, even if Mikel Arteta makes several changes to his team.
The Spanish manager is expected to rest some of his important stars for the game as he looks to manage the minutes of his key players ahead of the many matches still left to play this season.
Arsenal are one of the top clubs in the world, and the Gunners want to win every trophy available to them, including the League Cup, which they reached the final of last season.
Ipswich will look to end the Gunners’ journey in this round, but although they know it will be easier said than done, their manager, Gary O’Neil, insists Arsenal will always be a difficult opponent to beat regardless of the game plan he uses.
O’Neil Respects Arsenal Challenge
Ipswich will have home advantage and will hope the atmosphere can help them produce a strong performance against Arsenal.
Arteta’s expected changes could give the hosts encouragement, but O’Neil knows the Gunners have enough quality throughout their squad to make the contest difficult.
The Ipswich boss also wants his team to enjoy the occasion and give everything possible in their attempt to progress to the next round.
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Ipswich Want to Progress
He said to the East Anglian Daily Times: “Arsenal are tough to beat, even if you do everything right.
“I’ll make some changes to my team, I’m sure Mikel will make changes to his team, but it’s a game we want to win. I want to get as far in the cups as we can.
“We’re going to give it our best go at home under the lights. I think we missed the opportunity against Liverpool. We played well, but it was already 2-0.”
The hosts know they face a major challenge, but they will aim to make the most of their home advantage and prevent Arsenal from progressing in the competition.