Arsenal vs Ipswich tips and predictions: Back both teams to score in festive cracker

Arsenal state of play

After dropping points in their last two Premier League games, Arsenal got back to winning ways with a thumping 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

The Gunners' creativity in the final third will have eased concerns for Mikel Arteta, who won't have enjoyed comparisons to Stoke's former set-piece merchant Tony Pulis in recent weeks. Four of the Gunners' five goals came from open play at Selhurst Park, having only netted from set-pieces in their previous three league games.

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Gabriel Jesus was the difference. After putting three past Palace in the Carabao Cup just a few days before, the Brazilian striker haunted Oliver Glasner's men again with a brace – the post denying him a second hat-trick.

It wasn't all rosy for Arteta though as he watched star boy Bukayo Saka limp off in the first half.

Ipswich state of play

Ipswich have been far better on the road this season than at Portman Road, picking up eight points from eight games away; compared to just four from nine at home.

But their latest 4-0 defeat to Newcastle will be most concerning for Kieran McKenna. Despite kicking off, Ipswich went a goal down after just 26 seconds. For all of their defensive woes this season they have been good for a goal, but they never really tested away keeper Martin Dubravka.

It was the fourth defeat in five for the Tractor Boys, who take on Chelsea just three days after their trip to Arsenal. If results go against them, they could find themselves eight points from safety after a harsh festive period.

Key talking point: Will Ipswich score but fall short again?

As 1/7 favourites, there's little doubt Arsenal will claim all three points here. But there could be value in Ipswich getting on the scoresheet.

The newly-promoted side, who were the Championship's biggest scorers last season, have found the back of the net in six of their eight away games so far. Those matches included challenging trips to Man City, Tottenham, Brentford and West Ham.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have conceded in four of their nine wins this term – all against teams in the bottom half of the table in West Ham, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Leicester. Anything other than a consolation goal is an ask too far for Ipswich though.

FIRST’s top tip for Arsenal vs Ipswich

Arsenal to win and both teams to score is 7/4 (Betway).

Extra tips

First team to score - Ipswich 4/1 (Betway)

Ipswich have been quickest out the blocks in four of their eight away games this season, which is why their odds are so high as first team to score.

Additionally, Jesus has scored five goals in his last two games. You can back him to score another two against Ipswich at 19/5 (BetMGM). 

Team news

Arsenal will be without Saka for 'many weeks' after tearing his hamstring against Palace. He'll be a major miss for Arteta, especially with his obvious replacement Raheem Sterling also set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee issue.

Declan Rice is expected to return to the starting line-up and Oleksandr Zinchenko could be recalled to the matchday squad, but Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White remain out of action.

Ipswich, meanwhile, won't have captain Sam Morsy after he picked up his fifth yellow of the season against Newcastle. Liam Delap, Ipswich's top goalscorer with six to his name this season, will be back though after serving his one-match suspension.

Long-term absentees Chiedozie Ogbene, George Hirst, Janoi Donacien and Axel Tuanzebe will also miss Ipswich's trip to the Emirates through injury.

Arsenal vs Ipswich predicted line-ups

Arsenal: Raya; Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber; Odegaard, Havertz, Rice; Trossard, Martinelli, Jesus (4-3-3)

Ipswich: Muric, Davis, Greaves, O'Shea, Johnson; Cajuste, Phillips; Szmodics, Hutchinson, Burns; Delap (4-2-3-1)

Form guide 

Arsenal: DWWWWDWDWW

Ipswich: LLDWDLLLWL