Chelsea look to strengthen Champions League push against Ipswich | OneFootball

Chelsea vs Ipswich: Premier League Stakes High as Blues Seek Redemption

Opportunity for Momentum in Champions League Chase

Sunday’s Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge offers Chelsea more than just three points. It’s a chance for recalibration, for redress, and above all, for rhythm. In a season where the margins for European qualification remain razor-thin, Enzo Maresca’s men must continue to marry intent with execution — particularly at home, where their form has often defined their direction.

Photo: IMAGO

Fresh from a commanding 3-0 win in Warsaw over Legia that edged them closer to the Conference League semi-finals, Chelsea return to domestic duty aware of the growing pressure. A place in next season’s Champions League is tantalisingly within reach, aided further by confirmation this week that England will be granted an additional qualifying spot.

Yet, with Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa breathing heavily down their necks, and Maresca’s side only ahead of the Magpies on goal difference, there is no room for complacency. Especially not against an Ipswich Town side that — though floundering in the league — inflicted a surprise defeat on Chelsea in December at Portman Road.

Changes Expected as Squad Rotation Kicks In

Cole Palmer’s return to the starting eleven in Poland was one of five tweaks from the side that drew at Brentford. But Maresca, pragmatic and purposeful, opted for pre-planned substitutions, removing Palmer and Tosin Adarabioyo at the break. With the second leg unlikely to trouble Chelsea too greatly, full-strength options are expected to return for Sunday.

Photo IMAGO

Robert Sánchez will likely reclaim his spot in goal, while the likes of Noni Madueke — fresh from scoring twice in Europe — Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Marc Cucurella are all in line for recalls. Injuries continue to limit Chelsea’s depth: Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman remain out, and Romeo Lavia’s timeline is still unclear. Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable, but there’s optimism Marc Guiu is nearing fitness.

photo IMAGO

For Ipswich, there’s no hiding from their situation. Kieran McKenna’s side have collected just one league win in 2025. Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves — their sixth straight at Portman Road — has all but confirmed their return to the Championship. They sit 17th, 12 points adrift of safety with only seven games left. Former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson remains a doubt, while Sammie Szmodics, Chiedozie Ogbene, Wes Burns and goalkeeper Arijanet Muric are all absent. Leif Davis, at least, made a return from the bench last week.

Chelsea’s Chance to Reassert Control

The corresponding fixture earlier this season saw Chelsea suffer their most unexpected loss — a 2-0 reverse at Portman Road courtesy of a Liam Delap penalty and a goal from Hutchinson. That result stung. Sunday provides an opportunity for Chelsea to not only avenge that defeat but to maintain their grip on a top-four finish.

Photo IMAGO

Ipswich’s spirit has not entirely wilted, but their confidence is clearly fractured. With only pride and mathematical hope to play for, their visit to Stamford Bridge feels ominously timed. Chelsea should sense an opening to assert dominance early and avoid a repeat of December’s frustrations.

Prediction: Business-like Blues to Get the Job Done

For all the tactical nuance Maresca has brought, Chelsea’s season has still been undercut by inconsistency. But this should not be a game for slip-ups. Ipswich have been generous travellers, and Chelsea, with key figures rested and returning, have enough quality to dismantle them.

With the crowd behind them and Champions League pressure mounting, expect Chelsea to play with urgency and composure. Their European exploits have offered a timely boost in confidence. Now, it’s about turning that into league momentum.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Ipswich

Match Details📅 Date: Sunday, 13 April 2025⏰ Kick-off: 2pm BST🏟️ Venue: Stamford Bridge, London📺 TV Coverage: Not televised live in the UK📺 Highlights: Match of the Day 2, BBC One, 10:30pm BST

Head-to-Head RecordChelsea wins: 26Ipswich wins: 10Draws: 10