Chelsea vs Ipswich: Preview, predictions and lineups
- Chelsea host Ipswich in the Premier League on Sunday
- Blues continue their push for Champions League qualification
- Survival hopes running out for struggling Tractor Boys
Chelsea continue the hunt for Champions League football when they host struggling Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Blues have London rivals Arsenal to thank for the Premier League earning a fifth qualification spot for Europe's premier competition, boosting Chelsea's chances of returning to the top table next season. But a top five finish remains far from guaranteed with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and even Fulham in pursuit.
After a confidence-boosting win over Legia Warsaw in their Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg on Thursday, Enzo Maresca should field a full-strength side for the battle with Ipswich having rotated unsuccessfully against Brentford last weekend.
The Tractor Boys are all but guaranteed to be playing Championship football next season after last weekend's bruising defeat to relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. They're now 12 points from safety with just seven games to spare and must realistically win at Stamford Bridge to keep their extremely slim hopes of survival alive.
Here is 90min's guide to the clash at Stamford Bridge.
What time does Chelsea vs Ipswich kick-off?
- Location: London, England
- Stadium: Stamford Bridge
- Date: Sunday 13 April
- Kick-off Time: 14:00 BST / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
- Referee: Stuart Attwell
- VAR: Michael Salisbury
Chelsea vs Ipswich head-to-head record (last five games)
- Chelsea: 3 wins
- Ipswich: 1 win
- Draws: 1
Current form (all competitions)
Chelsea | Ipswich |
|---|---|
Legia Warsaw 0-3 Chelsea - 10/04/25 | Ipswich 1-2 Wolves - 05/03/25 |
Brentford 0-0 Chelsea - 06/04/25 | Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich - 02/04/25 |
Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham - 03/04/25 | Ipswich 2-4 Nottingham Forest - 15/03/25 |
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea - 16/03/25 | Crystal Palace 1-0 Ipswich - 08/03/25 |
Chelsea 1-0 Copenhagen - 13/03/25 | Nottingham Forest 1-1 (5-4p) Ipswich - 03/03/25 |
How to watch Chelsea vs Ipswich on TV - UK and US
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | N/A |
United States | Peacock |
Canada | fuboTV Canada |
Chelsea team news
Cole Palmer and Tosin Adarabioyo were withdrawn at half-time during Chelsea's 3-0 win at Legia, sparking fears over injuries to both. However, Maresca has confirmed that the alterations were pre-planned and there are no fitness concerns for either.
However, the Blues will be without Wesley Fofana for the remainder of the season and he's joined on the sidelines by the eternally injured Romeo Lavia, as well as long-term absentees Marc Guiu and Omari Kellyman. Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended.
Maresca should welcome a host of rested faces back into the starting lineup on Sunday, including the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Ipswich
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Ipswich (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Ipswich team news
Ipswich continue to struggle with injuries in the final third and Kieran McKenna will be without Sammie Szmodics, Chiedozie Ogbene, Wes Burns and almost certainly former Chelsea academy product Omari Hutchinson.
Elsewhere, Conor Townsend is doubtful with a hamstring injury and Arijanet Muric will be absent with a shoulder injury.
Chelsea should get a first-hand look at reported transfer target Liam Delap, who scored in the reverse fixture in December.
Ipswich predicted lineup vs Chelsea
Ipswich predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Palmer; Tuanzebe, O'Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Johnson, Broadhead, Enciso; Delap.
Chelsea vs Ipswich score prediction
McKenna has insisted that Ipswich won't throw in the towel despite relegation nearing but even their best performance might not be enough to earn anything from the trip to west London. They have won just once in the Premier League since beating Chelsea at the end of last year, albeit they've been better on the road this term.
Chelsea rested key personnel for the trip to Warsaw midweek and should feel the benefits on Sunday. They have been grinding out results even when below their peak in recent weeks and should have enough in the tank to secure three crucial points this weekend.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Ipswich
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