Arsenal will host Ipswich Town on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Emirates Stadium, as they seek to build on recent successes and maintain their pursuit of the Premier League title.
After experiencing the frustration of consecutive draws against Fulham and Everton, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have rebounded impressively. With two victories, including a brilliant 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace, they appear ready to take on the struggle against Ipswich, who are at the opposite end of the table.
Sadly for the Gunners, they will be without their star winger Bukayo Saka, who is expected to miss several weeks following a hamstring injury sustained during the Crystal Palace match. Arteta remarked, "Saka could be out until March after tearing his hamstring." His absence is significant for Arsenal, as they will need to rely on their squad depth to fill the gap left by the young England international.
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town, managed by Kieran McKenna, enters this clash sitting near the bottom of the Premier League table. They have only managed two victories out of their first 17 matches and are facing relegation threats. The Tractor Boys will miss captain Sam Morsy for this fixture due to suspension but are optimistic as their leading scorer Liam Delap returns from his one-match ban. Ipswich will look to capitalize on any defensive weaknesses from Arsenal.
The match, originally slated for Boxing Day, was rescheduled to accommodate broadcast schedules by Amazon Prime Video. Arsenal's recent form has been encouraging, boasting 11 unbeaten Premier League games at home, with Arteta's side having not lost at the Emirates this season.
Historically, Arsenal enjoys dominance over Ipswich when these sides meet. They are unbeaten against Ipswich for 13 league matches, with the last defeat dating back to 1984. Impressively, they haven’t lost at home to Ipswich since 1979, reflecting their control over this fixture.
Arsenal’s attacking weapons are potent. Gabriel Jesus has rediscovered his scoring touch, netting five goals across his last two appearances. This resurgence is exactly what Arsenal needs as they strive to keep up with Liverpool, who leads the league by six points. Close on the heels of their title rivals, Arsenal cannot afford any slip-ups against Ipswich.
On the collective front, Arsenal has been exceptional against promoted teams. They currently flaunt 41 home matches without loss to sides newly promoted to the Premier League, showing their strength against teams just finding their footing at this level.
Despite the weight of history falling heavily on their shoulders, Ipswich must go to the Emirates with belief. Their earlier surprising 2-0 victory over Tottenham earlier this season demonstrates they are capable of upsetting the odds, even if their recent form suggests otherwise.
Fans can catch the match on Amazon Prime Video, starting live coverage at 7pm GMT. For U.S. viewers, the game will be featured on the USA Network. This festive encounter not only presents Arsenal with the chance to push up the table but also offers Ipswich the possibility of claiming precious points.
With the match set for 8:15 PM GMT, both teams will be eager to claim three points for vastly different reasons. Arsenal will aim to keep their title hopes alive, whereas Ipswich will focus on ensuring their survival remains within reach by capitalizing on any mistakes from the Gunners.
Expect fireworks on the pitch as Arsenal battles it out with Ipswich, setting the stage for drama, moments of brilliance, and perhaps even surprises during this festive fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
