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Red-hot Arsenal kick off their EFL Cup campaign with a trip to Ipswich Town on Tuesday for third-round action, with the Gunners looking to go one better than last term after losing in the final.
Mikel Arteta's men came close to ending their over three-decade wait for the English League Cup last season but suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the showpiece in March.
Ipswich, meanwhile, reached this stage after beating Leicester City 3-1 in the previous round and will look to hand the Gunners their first defeat of the 2026-27 season across all competitions.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Ipswich vs Arsenal key stats
- Arsenal have kept clean sheets in five of their last six competitive games.
- Only one side has found the net in each of the last seven competitive meetings between Arsenal and Ipswich Town.
- All four goals across the Gunners' last three away matches came in the second half.
Ipswich vs Arsenal preview: Tractor Boys face daunting test against perfect Gunners
Ipswich vs Arsenal — Tale of the Tape
| Ipswich | vs | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| 8th | Position | 1st |
| 6 | Points | 12 |
| 7 | Goals For | 8 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 1 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| 9th | Home / Away Rank | 1st |
Few would have Ipswich down as contenders to lift their first EFL Cup crown this season, but the Suffolk-based club will be hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since their run to the last four in 2011.
The Tractor Boys have at least surpassed last season's first-round elimination to Bromley, gaining direct passage into the second round after securing promotion to the top flight before beating Leicester.
Ipswich's return to the Premier League has been impressive so far, with Gary O'Neil's side winning two of their opening four fixtures and losing two. Victories over Sunderland and Crystal Palace bookended back-to-back defeats to Manchester United and Liverpool.
Saturday's 3-2 win at Palace highlighted the Tractor Boys' attacking qualities, with O'Neil's men making the most of their numerical advantage to claim maximum points after Axel Disasi was sent off in the 34th minute.
Few sides in Europe's top five leagues can match Arsenal's current form, with the Gunners looking more adventurous than the side that relied heavily on defensive solidity during their title-winning campaign in 2025-26.
Although Arteta's men have shown more attacking intent this term, their defensive solidity has not wavered, with Arsenal conceding just one goal in their last six competitive matches.
The Gunners began the season with a comfortable victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield before recording Premier League wins over Coventry City, Aston Villa and Chelsea, followed by a hard-fought 2-0 triumph over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Arsenal also secured a 1-0 victory in their Champions League opener against Napoli, while Tuesday's EFL Cup visit to Portman Road represents the third of four consecutive away outings for the Gunners, who will then travel to Brighton & Hove Albion for their round-five Premier League fixture.
With a strong squad to cope with the demanding schedule, Arteta could rest the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, while Noni Madueke, Victor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi will all be pushing for starts on Tuesday.
Ipswich vs. Arsenal form guide & betting tips
| Ipswich | vs | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
W
W
L
L
W
|
Form |
W
W
W
W
W
|
| 10 | Goals For | 9 |
| 11 | Goals Against | 1 |
W
|
EFL Cup | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Ipswich 0-2 Arsenal
While Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expected to make a number of changes and rest several regulars, the Gunners remain favourites to secure victory based on their excellent form and the strength of the squad at the manager's disposal, making an away win at 4/9 (1.44) appealing.
The core of Arsenal's exploits has been built on defensive solidity, with the structure holding its shape regardless of personnel, so the North London club's strength at the back supports BTTS – No at 1/1 (2.00), even if their own attacking quality proves decisive.
As such, Arsenal over 1.5 team goals is worth backing at 10/21 (1.48), particularly given Ipswich's recent tendency to concede multiple goals, while more goals in the second half at 11/10 (2.10) is also worth considering.
Meanwhile, a correct score of Ipswich 0-2 Arsenal at 13/2 (7.50) is well supported by the factors outlined above, making it an enticing outsider bet.
> Match result – Arsenal win 4/9 (1.44) | Likelihood: Probable
> Arsenal over 1.5 team goals at 10/21 (1.48) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – No at 1/1 (2.00) | Likelihood: Possible
> More goals in the second half at 11/10 (2.10) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score – Ipswich 0-2 Arsenal at 13/2 (7.50) | Likelihood: Outsider