Chelsea will close out 2024 with their first Premier League visit to Portman Road since 2002, facing Ipswich Town on Monday.
Both teams will be hoping for a much-needed win to end the year on a positive note, as neither is finishing 2024 quite as they had hoped.
After an impressive start to the season, with Chelsea sitting near the top and even looking like unlikely title contenders, their momentum has come to an unexpected halt over the holiday period.
The Blues had enjoyed a remarkable nine-game winning streak in all competitions since the November international break, but that run has now been interrupted by two disappointing results.
They were frustrated by Everton away before Christmas and then suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham on Boxing Day. The loss came in heartbreaking fashion, as they conceded a goal in the 95th minute.
That marked Chelsea’s first home defeat to Fulham in 20 meetings dating back to 1979 and only their third loss to the Cottagers in 35 Premier League encounters.
It was also the first time Chelsea had lost after leading late in a match since 1999, when they were beaten by Arsenal despite holding a 1-0 lead with just seven minutes to go.
As a result, Chelsea now find themselves seven points behind league leaders Liverpool, who capitalized on Chelsea’s slip by beating Leicester City. Arsenal also moved ahead of Chelsea after their win over Ipswich, the Blues' next opponents.
While Chelsea struggled in their previous five Premier League visits to Portman Road in the 90s and 2000s, recent history provides reason for optimism. This will be the third consecutive year Chelsea finishes the calendar year facing a newly-promoted team, having won their previous two encounters with Bournemouth and Luton Town.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
McKenna opted for a back five for just the second time this season, but it had little impact as they were beaten by Arsenal on Friday. As a result, the Ipswich boss may return to their usual 4-2-3-1 formation.
This could mean a potential change for Ben Johnson, who might make way for either Conor Chaplin or Wes Burns. Sam Morsy, who missed the Arsenal game due to suspension, is expected to come back into the side.
Massimo Luongo, sidelined by illness for the Arsenal match, is still a doubt for this one, while Chiedozie Ogbene and George Hirst are both out with more serious injuries.
With no Conference League fixtures until February, Maresca may look to bring in some of his European stars into Premier League action, especially given the quick turnaround from Boxing Day.
Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, and Marc Guiu have been standout performers in Europe, alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, though the latter is currently a doubt due to a knock.
Defensive absentees remain a problem with Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, and Reece James all out. Romeo Lavia is still a 50/50 after returning to training last week, while Mykhaylo Mudryk remains suspended following his drugs controversy.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:
Muric; O'Shea, Greaves, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Chaplin, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Joao Felix; Nkunku
EXPERT PREDICTION
Ipswich 1-3 Chelsea
Chelsea may have hit a bump at home to Fulham on Boxing Day, but this upcoming fixture presents a great opportunity for them to bounce back and continue applying pressure on Liverpool at the top.
Ipswich's weaknesses are becoming painfully clear, and doubts are beginning to surface about whether they are truly equipped to compete at this level. Another heavy home defeat to end 2024 would do little to dispel those concerns.
