Arsenal vs Ipswich: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

It should've been a weekend of celebration for Mikel Arteta's side after their 5-1 thumping of Crystal Palace, but supporters had little to cheer about after pictures of Bukayo Saka on crutches emerged post-match.

Arsenal remain in the title hunt but Saka's prolonged absence will ensure the upcoming period is a slog. This was meant to be the Gunners' year after back-to-back second-place finishes, but the Gods have so far conspired against Arteta's challengers.

Still, they'll be expected to end the year on a high when they face the newly promoted Tractor Boys. Kieran McKenna has worked wonders at Portman Road, but their top flight adventure currently appears a bridge too far.

Ipswich are 19th in the table having picked up 12 points from 17 games. They were thumped 4-0 at home by Newcastle at the weekend and have lost four of their previous five outings.

Here is 90min's guide to this Friday night clash.

Arsenal vs Ipswich H2H Results (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Arsenal vs Ipswich on TV and live stream - UK & US

Arsenal team news

Bukayo Saka is out for "many weeks" with a hamstring tear / Alex Pantling/GettyImages

The Gunners have suffered a huge injury blow with Mikel Arteta confirming on Monday that Bukayo Saka is out for "many weeks" after tearing his hamstring at Selhurst Park. The winger could be out of action until March.

Raheem Sterling, who could've mitigated Saka's absence, is currently absent due to a knee injury which is set to rule him out for several weeks.

On a brighter note, Riccardo Calafiori came off the bench at the weekend after another spell out and could return to the XI on Friday. Oleksandr Zinchenko may also return to the matchday squad.

Declan Rice impressed off the bench on Saturday and is a sure bet to come into Arteta's starting lineup.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Ipswich

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Ipswich (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus.

Ipswich team news

Sam Morsy is suspended for Friday's game / Paul Harding/GettyImages

Captain Sam Morsy misses out on Friday after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Newcastle on Saturday. Kalvin Phillips should come into McKenna's midfield pivot and partner Jens Cajuste.

Ipswich are currently without George Hirst, Axel Tuanzebe and Chiedozie Ogbene due to long-term injury setbacks, but Cieran Slicker is closing in on a return from a muscle injury.

Liam Delap is back from his suspension and will come in for Conor Chaplin up top.

Ipswich predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Muric; Clarke, O'Shea, Burgess, Davis; Phillips, Cajuste; Burns, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap.

Arsenal vs Ipswich score prediction

Ipswich secured their first Premier League win in over 20 years when they last visited north London, but while Arsenal are without main man Saka, they still represent a sterner challenge than Tottenham.

Arteta will once again lean on the robustness of his team in the absence of their superstar winger, with the manager requiring an uptick from almost every squad member in order to fill Saka's gaping void. The Englishman has functioned like a one-man attack at times this season.

Arsenal will be defined by functionality and efficiency over the next few weeks, and they'll have enough to coast past Friday's visitors. Much tougher challenges lie ahead, however.