Confirmed XI: Mikel Arteta makes nine Arsenal changes vs Ipswich Town

WHAT HAPPENED
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta named a heavily rotated side — nine changes from the previous game — for the Carabao Cup third-round trip to Ipswich Town at Portman Road on 15 September 2026. The team selected to start uses a 4-2-3-1 shape with Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal and Viktor Gyokeres leading the line.

The changes include a mix of rest and enforced absence: several regulars were left out of the XI and one player was ruled unavailable through injury.

KEY CONTEXT
- Arsenal entered the match on a six-game winning run and were aiming to extend that streak in the cup tie.
- Arteta made multiple personnel adjustments: some players were rested, one was sidelined with a groin problem, and younger or squad options were given starting roles.
- The game is a third-round Carabao Cup fixture away at Portman Road.

WHY IT MATTERS
- The rotation shows Arteta is using the cup to give minutes to squad players and youth while managing the workload of regular starters during a busy period.
- Keeping a winning run intact while changing personnel is a test of squad depth; the selected XI indicates who Arteta trusts to perform in knockout fixtures when senior players are rested or unavailable.
- The enforced absence of a first-team defender because of a groin issue reduces defensive options and may impact selection in upcoming matches until that player returns.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether the rotated XI can maintain Arsenal’s winning momentum in the cup tie at Ipswich.
- The status of the player ruled out with a groin injury (Ben White) and how long he might be unavailable.
- How the younger and fringe players named — notably 17-year-old Marli Salmon and others given starts — cope at senior level in a competitive cup match.

KEY FACTS
- Match: Carabao Cup third round, Ipswich Town vs Arsenal at Portman Road.
- Manager: Mikel Arteta made nine changes to the starting lineup.
- Formation and confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Kepa Arrizabalaga; Martin Zubimendi, Marli Salmon, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Bruno Guimaraes, Mikel Merino; Noni Madueke, Max Dowman, Eberechi Eze; Viktor Gyokeres.
- Ben White was ruled out with a groin injury; David Raya was replaced in goal by Kepa.
- Ezri Konsa and Riccardo Calafiori were rested; Declan Rice was also given a breather.