Ipswich vs Arsenal: The Tractor Boys host The Champions
Ipswich famously beat Arsenal 1-0 in the League Cup semi final first leg back in 2011(Photo credit IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Carabao Cup 3rd Round action takes place at Portman Road with an all-Premier League tie, as Ipswich Town host Arsenal.
Both sides last met in this competition back in 2010/11, when the Tractor Boys won the first leg of their semi-final at home thanks to Tamas Priskin’s strike 12 minutes from time.
It was to be the Gunners who made it to Wembley though, as goals from Nicklas Bendtner, Laurent Koscielny, and Cesc Fàbregas in 16 minutes helped to win 3-0 in the return leg at the Emirates.
Arsenal would famously go on to lose the Final to Birmingham City, which marked the last time they would appear in a League Cup Final until last season. A 2-0 defeat to Manchester City meant that Arsenal’s 32-year wait to win the trophy again would go on.
Ipswich have not made the fourth round of the competition since 23/24, when they would go on to lose 3-1 to Fulham.
Team News
Ipswich
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Gary O’Neil confirmed after Ipswich’s dramatic 3-2 win at Crystal Palace that striker Emersonn would likely be rested for the cup tie, having come off injured against the Eagles.
Azor Matusiwa and Jack Taylor also remain unavailable for the Tractor Boys.
Arsenal
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Following two tough away games against Napoli and Sunderland, Mikel Arteta will likely rotate the team heavily for this cup tie, given the strength and depth of the Arsenal side.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will be a change that is likely to happen, with the Spaniard having been the designated cup goalkeeper last season.
There may also be opportunities for Marli Salmon and Max Dowman to get their first starts of the new season.
In terms of injury concerns, Ben White was not seen in training ahead of the game, having come off injured at half-time against Sunderland.
Predicted line-ups
Ipswich
Walton; O’Shea, Diop, Kipré, Davis; Núñez, Luís; Philogene, Enciso, Clarke; Flemming.
Arsenal
Kepa; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Merino; Dowman, Eze, Madueke; Gyökeres.
Ones to Watch
Ipswich - Zian Flemming
Ipswich vs Arsenal: The Tractor Boys host The Champions
(Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
The former Millwall striker marked his new life at Ipswich in perfect style by returning to South London and scoring a late winner against Crystal Palace.
Flemming has already scored in this season’s Carabao Cup during Burnley’s 1-1 draw with Notts County, which saw the Championship side advance 4-3 on penalties.
During their last stint in the Premier League, Ipswich struggled with goals, scoring just 36 times across the season. Flemming is a smart signing in that aspect, having scored 11 Premier League goals last season as Burnley were relegated.
Arsenal - Viktor Gyökeres
Ipswich vs Arsenal: The Tractor Boys host The Champions
(Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Viktor Gyökeres' first season with Arsenal was met with success, scoring 21 goals in 55 games, including 14 in the Premier League, which helped the Gunners to end their two-decade-long wait to win a league title.
It seemed certain that heading into 2026/27, Gyökeres would remain the starting striker; however, that has not been the case, with Kai Havertz starting in all four Premier League games so far, and the Swede only coming off the bench in one of those, the 2-1 win against Chelsea.
Gyökeres' only start this season has come against Napoli in the Champions League, a game in which he only managed nine touches and not a single shot.
Leading the line at Portman Road is a very important moment for the Swede, not only for his own confidence but also for the confidence of his manager as to whether he can start to push for a starting role once again.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game will be taking place at Portman Road in Ipswich.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 PM BST.
How can I watch the match?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be available to watch on Sky Sports +. VAVEL will also be offering comprehensive coverage, both pre-match and post-match.