Chelsea have fallen to third place in the first division classification after successive results without victories against Everton and Fulham over the festive period, but they will have the chance to pick up a vital three points against Ipswich Town on Matchday 19. A win against the Tractor Boys tonight could put them back in second place, at least until Arsenal play on New Year's Eve.
The Blues will not be intimidated by the second-to-last team in the league and will relish their chances of a successful result quite comfortably. That being said, here's what your potential starting XI could look like.
goalkeeper – Robert Sánchez has not been the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this season by any means, but he still has the confidence of Enzo Maresca, so he is likely to retain his place between the sticks against Ipswich.
Defenders – Wesley Fofana remains sidelined through injury and will miss the team's final game of 2024. Tosin Adarabioyo may therefore have a chance at the heart of the defense once again alongside Levi Colwill.
James Reece He has trained with Chelsea in recent days and this time he could return to the starting lineup as a right-back. Meanwhile, Marc Cucurella is expected to play at left back.
It is not likely that there will be changes in the midfield and attack
Midfielders – Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo have become almost indispensable for Chelsea this season in terms of their engine room and could once again feature in the double pivot. Cole Palmer, who scored the team's only goal in the Boxing Day defeat against Fulham, could feature as the number 10.
On the left wing, Jadon Sancho is likely to get the nod over Joao Felix, while Pedro Neto could also be chosen ahead of Noni Madueke, the latter of whom was not even on the bench in Chelsea's last game.
Forward – Nicolas Jackson is likely to lead the line. He hasn't been in his best form, but he will look to finish a decent year on top.
Here's what the Blues may look like on paper.
