Arsenal vs Ipswich Preview

• Arsenal to win
• Over 1.5 goals for Arsenal

Arsenal welcome Ipswich Town to the Emirates on Boxing Day as the Gunners aim to keep pace in the Premier League title race.

With Liverpool six points clear at the summit, Arsenal know there’s little margin for error, while Ipswich will hope to avoid further damage after a challenging season so far.

Arsenal: Staying in the Hunt

Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend was a much-needed boost to their title hopes, but it came with a cost.

Bukayo Saka’s injury, which has left manager Mikel Arteta “pretty worried,” could significantly impact the Gunners’ busy festive schedule.

Even so, Arsenal remain unbeaten at home this season (W10, D3), and their incredible record against newly-promoted sides—41 unbeaten games (W36, D5)—makes them overwhelming favourites in this clash.

Sitting in third place, Arsenal’s task is clear: continue applying pressure on Liverpool and hope for slip-ups from the leaders.

Arteta will likely look to Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard to step up in Saka’s absence, while their defensive stability at home will provide a solid foundation to build on.

Key Player: Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli has been a consistent performer at the Emirates, with five of his last six home league goals coming after the hour mark. With Saka sidelined, his attacking contributions will be crucial.

Ipswich Town: The Road Warriors

Ipswich face an uphill battle after a 4-0 drubbing at home to Newcastle, but their away form offers a glimmer of hope. The Tractor Boys have averaged one point per game on the road, compared to just 0.44 at home—the largest differential in favour of away matches in the league.

Victories at Tottenham (2-1) and Bournemouth (1-0) in recent weeks highlight their ability to cause upsets away from home, but Arsenal at the Emirates is a much sterner test.

Ipswich’s poor historical record in away games against Arsenal—no wins since 1979 (D4, L7)—underscores the challenge ahead for Kieran McKenna’s men.

Key Player: Arijanet Muric

Ipswich’s goalkeeper has had a tough season, leading the league with five errors directly resulting in goals. Against an Arsenal side brimming with attacking talent, Muric will need to deliver a flawless performance to give his team a fighting chance.

Tactical Battle

• Arsenal’s Approach:
   Without Saka, Arsenal will likely channel more attacks through Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Martin Ødegaard’s creativity in midfield will be pivotal in unlocking Ipswich’s defence, while the Gunners’ high press could capitalize on Ipswich’s defensive errors.
• Ipswich’s Approach:
   Kieran McKenna’s side will aim to sit deep and frustrate Arsenal, relying on counter-attacks and set-pieces to create opportunities. Conor Chaplin’s pace and directness could trouble Arsenal’s backline in transition.

What’s at Stake?

• Arsenal: Victory is crucial to maintaining pressure on Liverpool at the top and keeping their unbeaten home record intact.
• Ipswich: Avoiding a heavy defeat would provide some relief as they aim to climb out of the relegation scrap.

Head-to-Head Insights

• Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 41 Premier League games against newly-promoted sides (W36, D5).
• Ipswich have averaged one point per game on the road this season, compared to just 0.44 at home.
• Gabriel Martinelli has scored five of his last six home league goals after the 60th minute.
• Arijanet Muric has made more errors leading to goals than any other Premier League player this season (5).

Prediction

Ipswich’s away form and occasional ability to cause upsets won’t be enough to trouble an Arsenal side determined to stay in the title race. Even without Saka, the Gunners’ quality and home advantage should see them dominate proceedings.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Ipswich Town

As Arsenal look to keep their title hopes alive and Ipswich fight for survival, this Boxing Day clash offers plenty of intrigue. Can the Gunners maintain their home dominance, or will Ipswich spring a holiday shock? Fans at the Emirates are set for an entertaining encounter.

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Arsenal v Ipswich, 2024/25 | Premier League