Three Arsenal players who must take Carabao Cup chance against Ipswich

Arsenal begin their Carabao Cup campaign away at Ipswich Town on Tuesday night, with Mikel Arteta expected to make significant changes at Portman Road.

The Gunners arrive in excellent form after successful trips to Napoli and Sunderland, but the demanding schedule means rotation is inevitable.

Arsenal's improved squad depth should allow Arteta to rest several regular starters without sacrificing too much quality. It also creates a major opportunity for players who have struggled for Premier League minutes.

Three in particular have something to prove against Ipswich.

Martin Zubimendi's position has changed dramatically compared with last season.

The midfielder started Arsenal's opening five matches a year ago and completed all 90 minutes in each. This season, however, all five of his appearances have come from the bench, including three introductions inside the final ten minutes.

Myles Lewis-Skelly and £75million summer signing Bruno Guimaraes have moved ahead of Zubimendi in Arteta's midfield hierarchy.

From Arsenal's perspective, that competition is welcome. Zubimendi's performances faded during the second half of last season after carrying a significant workload.

The Spaniard should be fresher this time around, but he will also want more meaningful minutes.

A commanding performance at Portman Road could remind Arteta why Zubimendi was previously considered an automatic starter alongside Declan Rice.

Viktor Gyokeres arguably has even more to prove.

The striker has remained on the bench throughout three of Arsenal's opening four Premier League matches and received only 12 minutes against Chelsea.

His Champions League start against Napoli did little to improve his position.

Gyokeres managed just nine touches across 73 minutes despite Arsenal registering 26 shots, with the striker failing to produce a single attempt himself.

Kai Havertz's impressive form has consequently made it increasingly difficult for Gyokeres to force his way into Arteta's strongest XI.

The Ipswich game therefore represents an important opportunity.

Gyokeres scored 14 Premier League goals last season, with the majority coming against teams in the bottom half. Facing Ipswich should provide the type of contest in which the striker can rediscover his confidence and demonstrate his penalty-box threat.

Arsenal will need both strikers across four competitions. Gyokeres must ensure he is ready when opportunities arrive.

Eberechi Eze is another player facing intense competition.

Martin Odegaard's excellent start has limited his opportunities centrally, while Mikel Merino has also been preferred from the bench.

Eze has consequently received most of his minutes from the left, where Christos Tzolis currently appears to be Arteta's first choice.

There have been encouraging moments. Eze impressed after coming on against Aston Villa and played an important role in Arsenal's winning goal.

His other appearances have been quieter, including a disappointing start against Napoli.

The left-sided role could still suit him. Tzolis has frequently moved inside to combine with Odegaard, and Eze possesses the technical ability to operate in those central spaces while nominally starting from the wing.

Tuesday night provides him with another opportunity to prove it.

For Zubimendi, Gyokeres and Eze, the Carabao Cup is about more than simply helping Arsenal reach the fourth round. It is a chance to force Arteta into some difficult selection decisions.

Arsenal travel to Portman Road on Tuesday night knowing victory will secure their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.

For Arteta, the match provides an opportunity to rest key players while testing the depth of his squad. For Zubimendi, Gyokeres and Eze, it could be one of their best early-season opportunities to make a case for a bigger role.