Ipswich v Arsenal LIVE: Bukayo Saka begins as Gunners attempt to hold title hopes alive in crunch Premier League conflict
Fresh from another famous European night, Arsenal bounce back into Premier League action as they take on Ipswich Town in a fixture that could have ramifications at the top of the table.
Barring something extraordinary, it is only the exact timing of the title and relegation about which there is any drama. West Ham’s draw against Southampton yesterday leaves Ipswich still mathematically in possession of their top-flight status, even if the drop clearly looms, while Liverpool may be crowned champions later if Mikel Arteta’s side slip up here.
The hosts may be hoping that they can catch Arsenal napping after an emotionally and physically draining Champions League quarter-final win over Real Madrid on Wednesday. An immediate return to the second tier seems certain for Kieran McKenna’s men but a win here would be another moment of real optimism in a difficult campaign.
Follow all of the latest from the Premier League clash in our live blog below:
Ipswich v Arsenal
We’re less than 10 minutes away from kick-off now.
Jurrien Timber on Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been a revelation for Arsenal this season at left-back. So what does Jurrien Timber make of his teammate?
WATCH: Jens Cajuste reflects on Liam Delap impact
Ipswich’s main threat this season has been ex-Man City academy prospect Liam Delap.
In a forgettable season for the Tractor Boys, Delap has shone and although he’s only fit enough for the bench today, Sky Sports have spoken to teammate Jens Cajuste about the striker
Bukayo Saka hoping for less off-pitch drama today
So Bukayo Saka starts for Arsenal – let’s hope it’s a less dramatic off-field day for the winger than against Real Madrid in midweek
Saka was confronted by Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal as he made his way down the tunnel at half-time of Arsenal’s victory at the Bernabeu.
The incident came after Saka had missed a first-half penalty in the Champions League quarter-final, with his attempted ‘Panenka’ saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Saka redeemed himself by chipping Courtois in the second half, with Arsenal progressing 5-1 on aggregate to reach the Champions League semi-finals for only the third time.
However, a heated moment came at the half-time break as the players went down the tunnel. Saka was approached by Carvajal, who grabbed the winger and said a word in his ear.
Arsenal players arriving at Portman Road
The arsenal team are in position at Portman Road
Ipswich v Arsenal team news – Bukayo Saka starts
Mikel Arteta said he would have a renewed focus on the Premier League given the form of the teams below Arsenal and that’s borne out in his team selection.
Bukayo Saka starts his first league match since returning from injury, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli completing the front three. Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are the starting full-backs, while Mikel Merino slots into midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Meanwhile for Ipswich, Liam Delap is only deemed fit enough for the bench and Jaden Philogene, Kalvin Phillips and Omari Hutchinson are all still out injured.
Ipswich XI: Palmer; Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Johnson, Enciso, Clarke; Hirst
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta vows to keep Liverpool waiting for title
Liverpool will claim the title with five matches remaining if Arsenal lose against Ipswich at Portman Road and they see off Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
But Arteta, who this week oversaw his side’s progression to the Champions League semi-finals with a stunning 2-1 victory at Real Madrid to complete a 5-1 aggregate triumph, said: “We will make sure that we win the game against Ipswich, and that (Liverpool winning the league) doesn’t happen.”
WATCH: Arteta confirms Arsenal injury boost ahead
Some good injury news for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta confirms Kai Havertz is close to a return. Here’s what the Gunners boss had to say
How Liverpool could win the Premier League today
Liverpool are within touching distance of securing the Premier League title after Virgil van Dijk’s late header earned the Reds a 2-1 win over West Ham at Anfield last weekend while Arsenal dropped more points.
The Reds are now 13 points clear at the top and they now need just six more to make mathematically certain of the title.
But it could be all over this Easter weekend… Here’s how:
