How many changes against Arsenal? Town predicted XI for Carabao Cup tie

Christian Walton is currently behind Kjell Scherpen in the goalkeeper pecking order (Image: Ross Halls)

Goalkeeper: CHRISTIAN WALTON

Town’s back-up ‘keeper will be no.1 tonight. Walton will feel hard done by to lose his place in the team to Kjell Scherpen, but he’s a real professional who will look to take his opportunities when they come.

With Scherpen yet to convince in the Premier League Walton knows that top performances in games like this will leave the door open for him to get back into team.

Darnell Furlong's only Premier League minutes so far came away at Man United (Image: Ross Halls)

Right-back: DARNELL FURLONG

Name-checked by Gary O’Neil in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference, then taken out of the matchday squad entirely. The Town boss revealed that he wanted to give him more opportunity to play, but that it’s been hard in the Premier League.

This is a big chance for him, with some questions over O’Shea playing at right-back. Could face a tough test against Eberechi Eze.

Dara O'Shea could return to centre-back against the Gunners (Image: Ross Halls)

Right centre-back: DARA O’SHEA

Town skipper will probably switch to centre-back, like he did in the last round of the competition. A strong display against world-class attackers may improve the case for him to start in this role, instead of right-back.

Cedric Kipre's physicality might help Town against Viktor Gyokeres (Image: Ross Halls)

Left centre-back: CEDRIC KIPRE

Another who possibly senses the opportunity to increased minutes if he can impress in the cup, with Jacob Greaves having some shaky moments in the first few Premier League games. Kipre’s physicality will be crucial up against Viktor Gyokeres.

Abdoul Ouattara started at left-back against Leicester last month (Image: Ross Halls)

Left-back: ABDOUL OUATTARA

Likely starter at left-back to give Leif Davis a rest, making it the same back line that faced Leicester at Portman Road last month.

This will obviously be a much harder test. Keeping Noni Madueke quiet over 90 minutes is a daunting task, but Ouattara has shown he has the pace and athleticism to handle it.

Florentino Luis is still waiting for his first Ipswich start (Image: Ross Halls)

Defensive midfielder: FLORENTINO LUIS

Eyeing his first competitive start for Ipswich. The Portuguese destroyer looked sharp off the bench against Crystal Palace on Saturday, bringing calm to a period of chaos for Town, which helped them secure the win.

I think he’ll have his hands full in this game. Expect him to be tasked with keeping Max Dowman quiet, assuming the 16-year-old is named in Arsenal’s lineup.

Marcelino Nunez scored a brace in the last round of the competition (Image: Ross Halls)

Central midfielder: MARCELINO NUNEZ

The hero of the last round, scoring two fine goals against Leicester - including a stunner from near the halfway line. Nunez hasn’t been seen since Old Trafford, where his unfortunate slip allowed Manchester United back into the game.

I think he’ll have a bit of a point to prove in this match. Having started the season well, he’s had a bit of a setback, but he’ll be desperate to get back on track.

Kasey McAteer didn't make the Blues' matchday squad against Crystal Palace (Image: Ross Halls)

Right winger: KASEY MCATEER

O’Neil directly referenced Furlong and Anis Mehmeti being out of Ipswich’s team on Saturday as a selection decision, but McAteer - who didn’t make the bench either - wasn’t named.

Could he have a knock? Perhaps, but assuming he’s fit and ready to go, it seems logical for him to come in on the right in place of Abdul Fatawu for this game.

Sindre Walle Egeli has had limited minutes since the end of the transfer window (Image: Ross Halls)

Attacking midfielder: SINDRE WALLE EGELI

Made his Premier League debut against Sunderland before scoring against Leicester in the last round of the cup, then travelled to Man United as an unused substitute. Walle Egeli would’ve been pretty happy with his start to the season.

But he hasn’t been in the squad for the last two games - including the clash against Liverpool, the team he supports, which has to sting. Another who will want to make a real statement tonight.

Jaden Philogene returned from injury at Selhurst Park on Saturday (Image: Ross Halls)

Left winger: JADEN PHILOGENE

Missed most of pre-season and the beginning of the Premier League campaign through injury. Returned to action at Palace on Saturday. O’Neil said he’s ready to start games again, so I expect him to be picked over Jack Clarke and Daizen Maeda in order to build up his sharpness.

Hopefully he can provide the X-factor in the final third. A moment of quality could be decisive, knowing how strong Arsenal are defensively.

Zian Flemming bagged the winner off the bench against the Eagles over the weekend (Image: Ross Halls)

Striker: ZIAN FLEMMING

O’Neil has confirmed that Emersonn will get a rest tonight, so it’s between Zian Flemming and Chuba Akpom to lead the line.

Akpom will be desperate to face his boyhood club, and I’m sure he’ll get minutes off the bench, but I feel like Flemming is the more likely starter after scoring the winner at Selhurst Park.

Alex’s predicted Town XI: 4-2-3-1: Walton; Furlong, O’Shea, Kipre, Ouattara; Florentino, Nunez; McAteer, Walle Egeli, Philogene; Flemming