Chelsea vs Ipswich: Maresca’s Selection Balancing Act Ahead of Premier League Clash
As Chelsea welcome Ipswich Town to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the Premier League spotlight falls not on title races or top-four fights, but on a more delicate dance—restoration and rhythm. Enzo Maresca, who has spent recent weeks shuffling pieces rather than reinventing patterns, looks to strike a balance between continuity and caution as his side prepares to host a newly-promoted team flirting with relegation.
Palmer Fit, Jackson In Contention
Cole Palmer’s fitness was the early talking point after he was withdrawn at half-time in Chelsea’s 3-0 Conference League win over Legia Warsaw. But Maresca quickly dispelled concerns. “It was pre-planned,” he confirmed, putting any injury rumours to bed. Palmer is expected to start against Ipswich and remain central to the tactical structure that Chelsea are building around his movement and invention.
Also pushing for a return is Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese striker has been eased back following a hamstring layoff and did not start either the goalless draw at Brentford or Thursday’s European outing. With Christopher Nkunku misfiring—missing a penalty in Warsaw and failing to score in consecutive outings—Jackson may be recalled to lead the line.
Sanchez Returns as First Choice
Despite Filip Jorgensen’s recent involvement, Maresca has reaffirmed Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s No.1. The Spaniard will be restored in goal for the Premier League tie, one of several rotational reversals expected.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo should resume duties after being rested midweek. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who started the last two fixtures, is likely to make way. This pivot of Caicedo and Fernandez remains the axis around which Chelsea’s tempo is set—more control than chaos, more structure than spontaneity.
Youth and Injuries Shape Defence and Wings
Levi Colwill made a timely return off the bench against Legia and may replace Benoit Badiashile at centre-back. Out wide, Noni Madueke’s brace in Poland feels impossible to ignore. He’ll be pushing for a starting berth ahead of Neto or even Nkunku.
Injuries continue to cloud Maresca’s planning. Romeo Lavia remains a doubt with a hamstring issue. “Hopefully, we can get Romeo very soon,” Maresca said. “I don’t know if for the next game [against Ipswich], but he looks quite good.” Marc Guiu is still sidelined but may return before the season’s close.
Others, however, are ruled out entirely. Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman will not feature again this campaign, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable. The absences will test depth but also open pathways for younger talents—something Maresca has gradually embraced.
