Lewis-Skelly role change, Nwaneri starts and Saliba rested - Arsenal line-ups vs Ipswich Town

Arsenal take on Ipswich Town on the high of knocking Real Madrid out of the Champions League in style. Five goals across the two legs should mean on paper at least that they should ease past the Tractor Boys, but we all know that is not how football works.

Ipswich could yet be relegated at the hands of the Gunners, but there is no room for sentimentality as Arsenal need to rediscover some form domestically. Newcastle have closed the gap to just four points and should they want to hold on to second place again, they need to start winning.

That said, with Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon, there is likely room to rotate - though there is a game in just four days after the clash against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium was rescheduled. With that said football.london's writers give their thoughts on who they think should start.

Tom Canton

Very hard to think about these two games in the context of where they lie because everything seems to be on the Champions League. However, while that might be, the Gunners need to navigate their next two league games before re-entering European competition again.

With the PSG clash in mind, I have made some changes to the team I would like to see while giving a rest to some players who have not had much of a chance to get any. William Saliba is the main one alongside Gabriel Martinelli, both are replaced by Ben White and Raheem Sterling.

Myles Lewis-Skelly does make the midfield, perhaps a chance to practice the role with Thomas Partey missing the first leg against PSG. While Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka complete the front three with Kieran Tierney in the back line.

Canton’s Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, White, Kiwior, Tierney; Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Nwaneri; Saka, Trossard, Sterling.

Sam Truelove

I think Mikel Arteta can go pretty strong against Premier League strugglers Ipswich, but a couple of players may be rested following the stunning Real Madrid win in midweek.

Ben White can come in at right-back to give Jurrien Timber a rest. The rest of the defence can remain the same, although there is a temptation to give Kieran Tierney a run-out at left-back.

In midfield, I would rest Declan Rice. The former West Ham man has been immense in recent weeks, and this could be the perfect time to give him a breather. Oleksandr Zinchenko can offer quality in midfield, alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard. The Arsenal captain still isn't in the best of form and could get a much-needed confidence boost with a goal or assist against Ipswich.

Bukayo Saka looked electric against Madrid, but I would rest him here. There's no need to risk the winger after a three-month injury absence. Ethan Nwaneri can play in his place. For me, Leandro Trossard can come in on the left, and Mikel Merino can continue up front. Ipswich will be a tricky game, and it's vital Arsenal build some momentum ahead of the semi-final against PSG.

Truelove's Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Zinchenko, Partey, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard.

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