Football Prediction | Ipswich Town vs Chelsea | English Premier League | December 31 – Will Chelsea Rebound From Recent Woes to Maintain Their Title Challenge?

The English Premier League continues as Ipswich Town faces Chelsea at Portman Road on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 1:45 AM (GMT). Ipswich, under Kieran McKenna, will aim to defy the odds and secure a vital result at home. Meanwhile, Chelsea, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, will seek to solidify their position in the league with a commanding performance.

Ipswich vs Chelsea Form Guide

Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town has displayed commendable resilience this season, relying on their aerial prowess and long-ball strategies. Key players like Liam Delap and Leif Davis have contributed with crucial goals and assists, but defensive lapses and individual errors remain significant concerns.

Chelsea

Chelsea, on the other hand, boasts a well-rounded squad with impressive attacking flair and tactical discipline. Cole Palmer has been in scintillating form, leading their goal tally, while Enzo Fernández continues to provide creative sparks from midfield. Chelsea’s pressing style and ability to create chances through individual brilliance make them a formidable opponent.

Ipswich vs Chelsea Key Battles

Liam Delap vs Cole Palmer

Ipswich’s Liam Delap, with 6 goals, faces off against Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who has scored 12 goals. Delap’s strong physical presence and finishing ability will be crucial for Ipswich’s attack, while Palmer’s sharp technical skills and consistency in front of goal make him one of Chelsea’s key threats. This battle of top scorers will be vital in determining which team can convert chances into goals.

Leif Davis vs Enzo Fernández

Ipswich’s Leif Davis, with 3 combined goals and assists, takes on Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, who has contributed 4 assists. Davis, known for his attacking runs and delivery, will look to create opportunities for Ipswich, while Fernández will be looking to control the tempo of the game from midfield and provide key passes for Chelsea. This matchup between the two creative players will be key in dictating the game’s rhythm and offensive chances. 

Also check:- Football Prediction | Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion | English Premier League | December 31

Ipswich vs Chelsea Tactical Outlook

Ipswich, while strong in aerial duels, faces numerous tactical challenges. Their approach involves long balls, taking long shots, and attacking down the right side. However, their attacking options are limited by a poor finishing ability and difficulty maintaining possession of the ball. Ipswich struggles against skillful players and in protecting the lead, which can leave them vulnerable in high-pressure situations. 

Chelsea, on the other hand, is a well-rounded team with strengths across multiple areas. Their counter-attacks are very strong, and they excel at creating chances through individual skill, while also showing resilience in coming back from losing positions. Chelsea is proficient at creating long shot opportunities, finishing scoring chances, and executing set pieces effectively. Their style is centered around possession football, short passing, and creating chances with through balls, often attacking through the middle.

 Head-to-Head Encounters

The current head-to-head record between the teams shows Ipswich Town with 0 win(s), Chelsea with 1 win(s), and 0 draw(s). Bookmakers have set the odds at 7.50 for Ipswich Town to win, 5.00 for a draw, and 1.38 for Chelsea to win. Chelsea are the favorites to win, according to the odds.

Injury News and Suspensions

Ipswich Town 

Ipswich Town is dealing with several injury concerns, including Cieran Slicker, who is doubtful due to a muscle injury, and Massimo Luongo, who is also uncertain due to illness. The team is expected to be without Axel Tuanzebe until early February 2025 due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, Chiedozie Ogbene is sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury and won’t return until early May 2025

Chelsea 

Chelsea will have Carney Chukwuemeka back by early January 2025 after an illness, while Benoit Badiashile is also expected to return in the same timeframe after a muscle injury. Romeo Lavia remains doubtful with a hamstring injury, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is uncertain due to a knock. The team is closely monitoring Reece James, who has returned to training after a hamstring injury, while Wesley Fofana is expected to be back by mid-January 2025. 

Ipswich vs Chelsea Possible Playing Squad

Ipswich Town

Muric(GK), O’Shea, Woolfenden, Burgess, Davis, Morsy, Cajuste, Johnson, Chaplin, Hutchinson, Delap

Chelsea

Jörgensen(GK), Cucurella, Colwill, Tosin, Disasi, Fernández, Neto, Caicedo, Nkunku, Joao Félix, Palmer

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Ipswich will look to make the most of their home advantage, but Chelsea’s superior quality and depth are likely to shine through. With Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández in excellent form, Chelsea should dominate possession and capitalize on their chances.

Score Prediction

Chelsea’s superior quality and attacking depth should prove too much for Ipswich, even in a potentially tough away match. Ipswich may manage a goal, but Chelsea’s firepower will dominate. Final prediction: Ipswich 1-3 Chelsea in a commanding win. \

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.