Following a disappointing Boxing Day defeat at the hands of neighbors Fulham, Chelsea will be looking to make amends against Ipswich.
The loss, which saw them drop four points in two games, has left the Blues slipping to fourth in the Premier League table and falling significantly behind leaders Liverpool in the title race.
Chelsea will close out 2024 on the road, taking on Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
While the visitors are aiming to bounce back from their first league defeat since October, the hosts are grappling with a tough Premier League campaign, sitting 19th with just two wins all season.
This match marks the first meeting between the two sides since 2011, with Chelsea having dominated previous encounters. However, with both teams needing a strong performance for different reasons, the stakes are high.
Match Preview
Ipswich vs Chelsea: Current Form
Chelsea have experienced a mixed run in December. After a commanding 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Europa League, the Blues struggled to maintain momentum, drawing 0-0 with Everton and then succumbing to Fulham in a shock 2-1 loss.
Ipswich, meanwhile, have faced persistent challenges in their return to the top flight. Their most recent outing saw them lose 1-0 to Arsenal, following heavy defeats to Newcastle (4-0) and Bournemouth (2-1).
Team News
Ipswich:
Manager Kieran McKenna will be relieved to have captain Sam Morsy back from suspension, providing a much-needed boost in midfield.
However, the squad remains stretched with key absences, including Axel Tuanzebe and Chiedozie Ogbene, who is out for the season. George Hirst’s return is not expected until the new year.
Chelsea:
Blues manager Enzo Maresca faces his own selection dilemmas. Reece James is back in training but unlikely to start, while Mykhailo Mudryk is sidelined due to a doping violation.
Other long-term absentees include Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile. Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku are expected to feature prominently, with Maresca potentially looking to refresh his lineup after the Fulham loss.
Predicted Lineups
Ipswich (4-2-3-1):
Muric; Clarke, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Burns, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Felix; Nkunku
Match Prediction
Chelsea’s struggles against compact defenses were evident in their last match, and Ipswich are likely to employ a similar strategy. Despite their limited squad depth, the Tractor Boys could frustrate the Blues with their work rate and defensive organization.
That said, Chelsea possess the quality to edge a scrappy contest. If Enzo Maresca’s men can improve their clinical edge in front of goal, they should have enough to secure three points.
Prediction: Ipswich 1-4 Chelsea
