Arsenal starting XI v Ipswich : Gabriel Martinelli decision made as £42m man returns as Arsenal look to narrow the gap between them and Liverpool…

Arsenal’s anticipated lineup against Ipswich Town features the return of a £42 million player and a decision regarding Gabriel Martinelli.

The decision concerning Gabriel Martinelli has been made with the £42 million player back in action: Arsenal’s expected starting team for the game against Ipswich Town tonight.

As Arsenal prepares to face Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, they aim to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Gunners enjoyed a successful week leading up to Christmas, securing a victory over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and subsequently dominating them in the Premier League.

In their quest to sustain their title challenge, Arsenal will encounter Ipswich, who currently sit near the bottom of the table but are only two points away from safety.

Unfortunately, the team will be without the influential Bukayo Saka, who is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury.

TBR Football examines the potential starting XI that Mikel Arteta may field against the Tractor Boys.

Injury updates for Arsenal against Ipswich reveal that Saka’s absence is the most significant concern, with Arteta indicating he will be out for “many weeks.”

Additionally, Raheem Sterling is also expected to miss several weeks due to a knee injury, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain long-term casualties.

On a positive note, Oleksandr Zinchenko may make his return this week after being unavailable since the beginning of the month.

For the predicted starting XI against Ipswich, one possible adjustment in defense could see Riccardo Calafiori stepping in for Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back.

While the academy graduate has performed admirably, the £42 million Italian is anticipated to be back to full match fitness.

David Raya is likely to take his position in goal, with Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Jurrien Timber rounding out the defensive line.

In midfield, Declan Rice is expected to return to the starting lineup as part of a tactical reshuffle.

Kai Havertz, who began the match in midfield against Crystal Palace, may return to the forward position.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli might transition to the right wing, allowing Gabriel Jesus to shift to the left side.

Arsenal’s anticipated starting lineup against Ipswich: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus.