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.

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.

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.

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, ...