Ipswich vs Arsenal: Predicted starting 11 for Gunners' first Carabao Cup test

Arsenal take on fellow Premier League side Ipswich Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The Gunners continued their winning start to the league campaign with a 2-0 victory away to Sunderland last time out. A David Raya penalty save to deny Enzo Le Fée preceded Bruno Guimarães' stunning opening strike by minutes ahead of Bukayo Saka putting the seal on victory from the spot in stoppage time.

Mikel Arteta is likely to rotate his side for this test to offer opportunities to some squad players, but the change to the setup shouldn't bring much difference in quality with his backup options now of high quality too.

Here's how Arsenal could line up for their clash with Ipswich Town.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Ipswich Town (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK) - Offering David Raya the chance for a rest on his birthday, Kepa will return to the starting lineup to make his first competitive appearance since last season's closing 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - His return to the XI comes a bit sooner than most would have liked, but with Ben White unavailable, Timber will start at right back this evening.

Ezri Konsa (CB) - Konsa's match fitness is certainly at its best after three consecutive starts, but he could benefit from making another here and with Cristhian Mosquera's availaiblity uncertain, he will start tonight.

Piero Hincapié (CB) - Only half of Arsenal's centre back duo will stay together as Hincapié comes in to replace Gabriel on the left side, allowing the Brazilian some respite ahead of a return to Premier League action this weekend.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - Now facing fierce competition for his spot in midfield, Lewis-Skelly will switch back to left back for this test.

Midfielders

Mikel Merino (CM) - His appearances off the bench have been positive and he will benefit from a start as he looks to compete with plenty of challengers for a starting spot.

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - Like his compatriot, his substitute showings have been positive and he should come in to make his first start of the season tonight.

Bruno Guimarães (CM) - His stunning strike against Sunderland set his side on their way to victory and that will have earned him a start at Portman Road as he looks to get more minutes in the legs following a return from injury.

Forwards

Noni Madueke (RW) - Yet to start this season, Madueke has a chance to impress tonight in a bid to displace Bukayo Saka, whose performances have been relatively mixed so far.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - After failing to score against Napoli, Gyökeres will be offered another starting chance at Ipswich, and he has to capitalise on the opportunity with his path to being first-choice currently facing a Kai Havertz shaped obstacle.

Eberechi Eze (LW) - Just like Gyökeres, Eze didn't take his chance to impress in Naples and he will have to do so this time round as he starts on the left wing tonight.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Ipswich Town: Kepa; Timber, Konsa, Hincapié, Lewis-Skelly; Guimarães, Zubimendi, Merino; Madueke, Gyökeres, Eze

Add us as a preferred source on Google