Ipswich v Arsenal preview

Arsenal visit Portman Road for the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final as Ipswich look to cause an upset.

The Gunners are firm favourites to progress to the Wembley showpiece after an impressive run through the competition so far.
They have overcome Tottenham, Newcastle and Wigan to reach the last four, with Arsene Wenger noticeably selecting more experienced players alongside the youngsters he has traditionally kept faith with in previous years.


Determined to claim their first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, Arsenal will nevertheless be wary of the threat presented by Ipswich.
Paul Jewell was named the club's new manager on Monday but will not officially take charge until after Wednesday's match.
The appointment could still have a galvanising effect, while caretaker boss Ian McParland will have demanded an improved performance following Sunday's 7-0 FA Cup defeat to Chelsea.
Roy Keane had steered Ipswich past Exeter, Crewe, Millwall, Northampton and West Brom in the Carling Cup before being dismissed last week following an inconsistent season to date in the Championship.
Jewell has therefore not had enough time to assess the squad he has inherited and it is McParland who has a number of issues to contend with ahead of kick-off.

Team news

Grant Leadbitter will be absent as he serves the second of a three-match ban, but Celtic defender Darren O'Dea and Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore have both been given permission to play by their parent clubs.
Captain Gareth McAuley should continue in the side following his recovery from an Achilles injury, but goalkeeper Brian Murphy will be out for at least three months with an ankle injury.
Winger Shane O'Connor also remains sidelined with a ruptured and dislocated shoulder and midfielder Luke Hyam (hamstring) completes a lengthy injury list.
Arsenal will be without centre-back Sebastien Squillaci (hamstring) and right-back Bacary Sagna, who is serving a three-match ban.
Wojciech Szczesny is set to line up in goal, while centre-half Laurent Koscielny is expected to return having been rested for the FA Cup third-round draw against Leeds.
Robin van Persie and England midfielder Jack Wilshere could also come back in, while Aaron Ramsey is in contention to start and reserve-team captain Ignasi Miquel should again be in the squad as defensive cover.
Midfielder Abou Diaby (calf), goalkeeper Manuel Almunia (ankle) and centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) remain out.