Chelsea’s grip on second place has slipped after back-to-back winless outings against Everton and Fulham, dropping them to third in the Premier League table. Tonight’s clash with 19th-placed Ipswich Town offers the perfect chance to reclaim momentum—and potentially leapfrog back into second, at least until Arsenal’s New Year’s Eve fixture.
Against a side struggling near the foot of the table, the Blues will expect nothing less than three points. Here’s the predicted XI Maresca could field.
Goalkeeper – Robert Sanchez hasn’t exactly set the league alight this season, but Maresca continues to back him. Expect him to keep his spot between the posts.
Defence – With Wesley Fofana still sidelined, Tosin Adarabioyo should once again partner Levi Colwill in central defence. The big change could be on the right, where captain Reece James is poised for his first start in weeks after resuming full training. On the left, Marc Cucurella is tipped to hold his place.
Midfield – The Caicedo-Fernandez pairing has become the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield, and there’s little reason to split them up now. Ahead of them, Cole Palmer—fresh from scoring in the Boxing Day loss to Fulham—should slot in as the creative No. 10.
Attack – Out wide, Jadon Sancho is expected to get the nod over Joao Felix on the left, while Pedro Neto could keep his spot ahead of Noni Madueke, who didn’t make the last matchday squad. Leading the line will likely be Nicolas Jackson, eager to cap off the year with a strong display despite an inconsistent run of form.