Ipswich vs. Arsenal: Match Preview, Predicted Lineups, and Stats

Despite drawing Premier League leaders Arsenal, Ipswich Town might find this Carabao Cup tie a welcome change after two consecutive embarrassing EFL Cup eliminations by lower-league teams. Last season, they lost to Bromley, and the season before, AFC Wimbledon. Manager Gary O’Neil hopes the home advantage at Portman Road will inspire his team to overcome these past upsets and achieve one of their own to reach the last 16.

“We are at a different level to Arsenal right now, but we will be strong on Tuesday,” O’Neil stated, according to the Ipswich Star. He added that the team “missed the opportunity” to capitalize on the home atmosphere during their 2-0 loss to Liverpool on September 4.

“Tactical preparation for this game will be straightforward. Stopping them and their style of play will not be,” he continued.

Ipswich advanced to this stage by defeating Leicester City 3-1. Arsenal enters the competition for the first time, having won all five of their matches across all competitions this season. They currently sit six points ahead of Ipswich in the league. Ipswich’s recent league form includes a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace, secured by a late winner from new signing Zian Flemming.

“We will continue to push as a squad,” said forward Bukayo Saka, discussing Arsenal’s squad depth after their 2-0 league win against Sunderland. “That will give us significant strength throughout the season. We must keep pushing – it doesn't stop.”

Ipswich Town vs. Arsenal: Carabao Cup Team News

Ipswich winger Jaden Philogene returned from an ankle problem as a second-half substitute in the last league game. Azor Matusiwa is back in full training after thigh surgery, but midfielder Jack Taylor is sidelined with a knee injury. O’Neil made nine changes in the previous round, including giving Abdoul Ouattara his debut and bringing on academy prospects Charlie Compton and Tudor Mendel.

For Arsenal, center-back William Saliba is unavailable. Right-back could be a concern, with Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera listed as doubts. Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to start in goal over David Raya. Young winger Max Dowman was among the players selected at this stage of the competition last season.

Ipswich vs. Arsenal: EFL Cup Predicted Lineups

Ipswich: Christian Walton, Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Cedric Kipre, Abdoul Ouattara, Jack Clarke, Cameron Humphreys, Marcelino Nunez, Sindre Egeli, Kasey McAteer, Chuba Akpom

Arsenal: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Piero Hincapie, Ezri Konsa, Jurrien Timber, Martin Zubimendi, Bruno Guimaraes, Mikel Merino, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres

Ipswich Town vs. Arsenal: Carabao Cup Stats

In five previous EFL Cup meetings since 1970/71, Ipswich and Arsenal have two wins each, with one draw.
Ipswich reached the semi-finals in 2011, their best EFL Cup performance, winning the first leg against Arsenal 1-0 before losing the second 3-0.
That 2011 win is Ipswich's only positive result in their last seven encounters with Arsenal across all competitions; they lost the other six, conceding 13 goals without reply.
At home against Arsenal this century, Ipswich's record is one win, one draw, and two losses, with their most recent home defeat being 4-0 in the 2024/25 Premier League.
Ipswich has advanced beyond the EFL Cup second round only once in their last 10 campaigns, losing 3-1 at home to Fulham in the fourth round in 2022/23.
Their loss to Liverpool is their sole home defeat in all competitions since October 21, 2025; they have won 14 and drawn six of their other games at Portman Road since then.
Arsenal has won eight of their last 11 EFL Cup matches, losing last season’s final to Manchester City and the 2024/25 semi-finals to Newcastle.
Their defeat to City ended a 33-year wait to lift the trophy for a third time, having previously won in 1987 and 1993.
Overall, Arsenal leads the fixture history with 32 wins to Ipswich's 18, with 11 draws. Arsenal legend Ian Wright is the competition's top scorer between these two teams with nine goals.
Bukayo Saka recently matched Robert Pires' tally of 84 goals for Arsenal by scoring his third of the season and 84th overall with a penalty against Sunderland.

Where to Watch Ipswich vs. Arsenal: TV Channel, Live Online Streams

The match kicks off on Tuesday at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). In the UK, live coverage will be broadcast on Sky Sports Plus. A day pass for Now TV Sky Sports costs £14.99, a monthly pass is £27.99 for 12 months, or £34.99 a month with no contract.

Ipswich Town vs. Arsenal: Carabao Cup Prediction

With both teams facing league away games on Saturday, managers O’Neil and Mikel Arteta might opt for rotated squads. Given Arsenal's current form and superior squad depth, they are still expected to have the edge.