Mikel Arteta to consider six Arsenal changes for Ipswich as Saka and Rice decisions made

Mikel Arteta may make a number of changes to his Arsenal starting XI for the Premier League clash against Ipswich Town on Sunday.

After a stunning victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, the league has taken somewhat of a backwards step as all attention is focused on Europe. Arteta is certainly not disregarding the league, however, and will see games against Ipswich and then Crystal Palace as an opportunity to build momentum ahead of the semi-final first leg against PSG at the end of the month.

Asked what he has done since returning from Spain to prepare for Ipswich, Arteta said: "Quite easy, just review the Madrid game and immediately go to Ipswich and start to do all the preparation, start to watch the games, the game we played against them and what we learned over the last few months since we played them. How can we hurt them, their qualities and start to do the preparation towards the game."

So, what changes could Arteta make to the Arsenal line-up for Sunday? football.london takes a look, below...

Ben White for Jurrien Timber

Timber has been one of Arsenal's most consistent performers this season but the game at Ipswich may be the perfect opportunity to give the Dutchman a rest. Ben White was brought on in the closing stages in Spain so should be fresh for this one. The right-back has had his fair share of injury issues this season and getting minutes in the tank would do him some good.

Kieran Tierney for Myles Lewis-Skelly

There could be two changes in the backline, if Arteta feels it is necessary. Tierney was handed a rare start against Brentford last weekend and that could be repeated at Portman Road. It would allow Lewis-Skelly a rest which the teenager may need given how many minutes he's played this term.

Oleksandr Zinchenko for Declan Rice

Rice has made 45 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season and you would think one of him or Thomas Partey would be given a rest at Ipswich. After his two Man or the Match performances against Real Madrid, Rice has probably earned a breather and Zinchenko can easily slot into midfield. The Ukrainian is very creative and was deployed in central midfield against Brentford, so that could be repeated again.

Ethan Nwaneri for Martin Odegaard

After not even coming off the bench against Madrid, Nwaneri looks certain to start against Ipswich. While he may be pushed slightly more forward, the teenager could replace Odegaard in the starting XI as the Arsenal captain continues to struggle for form.

Nwaneri or Raheem Sterling for Bukayo Saka

It's also possible Nwaneri replaces Bukayo Saka in the right wing position, while Raheem Sterling is another contender for the position. Saka played 77 minutes against Madrid on Wednesday and asking him to start four days later against Ipswich may be a tad risky given he was out injured for three months. Nwaneri and Sterling have more than enough quality to start in the Hale Ender's place.

Leandro Trossard for Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli has returned to his usual electric self in recent weeks, with the 23-year-old netting the winner in Spain in midweek. He offers something different to Trossard on the left-wing and Arteta will want to keep the Brazilian fit between now and the end of the season. It's possible, then, that Trossard starts against Ipswich as the Belgian looks to add to his recent goal against Everton.

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