Arsenal head to Portman Road on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, with Mikel Arteta expected to change the side heavily for the 8pm BST kick-off against Ipswich. Arsenal have won all five matches domestically and in Europe, so this looks less like a must-win night and more like a chance to manage minutes properly. Kepa Arrizabalaga is among the players likely to come in.
The likely changes at Portman Road
Standard.co.uk report that Kepa is likely to get the nod over Illan Meslier and that David Raya will have the night off. That is the clearest sign of where Arteta is leaning, even if the selection picture is not fully fixed yet. Ben White remains a fitness concern after coming off against Sunderland, while Cristhian Mosquera is not being treated as a certain return after his muscle issue.
Kepa's recent numbers help explain why he is in the frame. He has a 7.9 rating in his most recent league appearance and five recent competitive appearances, which is enough rhythm for a cup start. Jurrien Timber has only just returned from his long absence, and Martin Zubimendi has only three Premier League appearances so far, so both sit in the group of players who could benefit from a lighter night for the regular starters.
Arsenal's rotation and what it says
The rotation itself is the main point here. Arsenal have not been asked to chase the game in the league or in Europe, so Arteta can afford to spread minutes at Portman Road without turning the tie into a full-blown second-string exercise. Kepa, Timber and Zubimendi all look well placed to get exposure, while Arsenal keep the core of the squad fresh for what follows.
Tuesday's match is at Portman Road, and the first real answer will come when the team sheet drops before 8pm BST.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
