Arsenal predicted XI v Ipswich as £42m man returns and Gabriel Martinelli decision made

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Arsenal will look to narrow the gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Liverpool when they host Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.

The Gunners had a good week prior to Christmas, beating Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals before thrashing the Eagles in the Premier League.

Arsenal will now look to maintain their title challenge against Ipswich, who sit second-from-bottom in the table but are only two points from safety.

However, the Gunners will have to do so without the talismanic Bukayo Saka, who is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

TBR Football looks at who Mikel Arteta could name in the Arsenal starting XI for the visit of the Tractor Boys.

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Arsenal team news v Ipswich

The biggest news for Arsenal on the injury front involves Saka, who is expected to be out for “many weeks”, according to Arteta.

In addition, Raheem Sterling is set for several weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain long-term absentees.

However, Oleksandr Zinchenko could return for Arsenal this week, having not played since the start of the month.

Arsenal predicted starting XI v Ipswich

One change for Arsenal could come at the back, with Riccardo Calafiori likely to replace Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back.

Although the Gunners academy graduate has done well, the £42million Italian should now be back to full match fitness.

David Raya is expected to start in goal, while Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are likely to complete the back four.

Another change for Arsenal could come in midfield, with Declan Rice likely to return to the starting XI amid some rejigging.

Kai Havertz, who started in midfield against Palace, could return to lead the line, while Gabriel Martinelli could switch to the right flank and Gabriel Jesus could move to the left.

Arsenal predicted starting XI v Ipswich: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus