Chelsea predicted XI vs Ipswich includes three changes as Enzo Maresca makes Noni Madueke decision

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea go into their next match against Ipswich Town under a rare bit of pressure this season.

Chelsea travel to Portman Road on Monday night to face Ipswich in their final match of 2024, which has some increased significance because of their last couple of results.

It feels like a really important Premier League fixture for the Blues following a draw to Everton and a defeat to Fulham in the previous two games.

Enzo Maresca has gotten the majority of things right during his first half a season as the Chelsea manager, and he’s not afraid to make the big calls. His team selection versus Ipswich is certainly going to be very interesting.

He explained that he left Chelsea first teamers Noni Madueke and Renato Veiga out of the matchday squad against Fulham because of a “technical decision”. Maresca confirms Madueke is in contention against Ipswich, though.

• READ MORE: Levi Colwill has realised something about the Chelsea team after their defeat to Fulham

Chelsea predicted XI vs Ipswich

Here is a look at the Chelsea line-up we’re predicting to see away to Ipswich in a couple of days time…

First up, the first of three changes from the Fulham defeat could see Filip Jorgensen replace Robert Sanchez in net. It’s not often that clubs will change their first-choice goalkeeper, but we could see it because of the quick turnaround during a busy period. It’s worth remembering that Jorgensen started the league win over Southampton earlier in December, too.

Axel Disasi may come into the team at right-back in another change as Malo Gusto is given a rest. Gusto was poor in Chelsea’s loss to Fulham, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him come out of the limelight.

The new-look centre-back partnership of Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill looks likely to continue in the heart of defence.

To complete the back four, Marc Cucurella continues at left-back. Incidentally, Chelsea’s record is way better with Cucurella this season.

The midfield axis of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez is set to start again versus Ipswich, where they should dominate possession and control of the match.

The third and final change could see Noni Madueke recalled as the right-winger at the expense of Pedro Neto. Madueke served his punishment by missing the Fulham defeat on Boxing Day, but he’s an important player and usually responds well when questioned by Maresca.

Cole Palmer keeps his spot as the talisman in the No 10 position, while Jadon Sancho operates again from the left wing.

Finally, Nicolas Jackson gets the nod yet again to lead the line as the central striker.

Predicted Chelsea line-up

Jorgensen
Disasi Tosin Colwill Cucurella
Caicedo Fernandez
Madueke Palmer Sancho
Jackson

IN: Filip Jorgrensen, Axel Disasi, Noni Madueke
OUT: Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Pedro Neto

Chelsea and Ipswich have very few meetings in the 21st century

Remarkably, Chelsea and Ipswich have only played against each other in competitive games six times since the turn of the century.

Here is a look at the previous six matches between the English clubs…

It highlights that Ipswich have had such a long exile away from the top division, but they’re back now with a young and exciting side under Kieran McKenna’s management.

Ipswich have been competitive in most league matches this season without always getting the results, so Chelsea will need to be on their game on Monday.