Arsenal’s EFL Cup opener offers Viktor Gyokeres a chance to strengthen his case
Arsenal are expected to rotate at Ipswich Town, giving Viktor Gyokeres a potential opportunity after being left out of the starting line-up.
Arsenal will begin their EFL Cup campaign away to Ipswich Town on Tuesday, with manager Mikel Arteta expected to use the fixture to assess the depth of his squad.
The match could provide Viktor Gyokeres with an important opportunity. The forward did not register a shot in Arsenal’s 1–0 Champions League win at Napoli and has been displaced from the starting line-up after joining the club from Sporting CP.
Arsenal’s preferred attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis has started each of the club’s first four Premier League matches this season, according to CBS Sports. Gyokeres’ selection against Ipswich remains unconfirmed, but he is included in the predicted line-up.
Arsenal are entering the competition after winning the Premier League last season and are expected to rotate their players. The club are also targeting further domestic success while pursuing a first Champions League title after reaching last season’s final.
Ipswich, newly promoted to the Premier League, have collected six points from their opening four matches but have conceded 10 goals. The figures suggest a potentially favourable setting for Arsenal’s reserve and fringe players, although the match will also test whether the visitors can maintain their attacking threat without their established front three.
A strong performance would not define Arsenal’s season, but it could help Gyokeres and other squad players press their claims for greater involvement as the club manages multiple competitions.
