Christopher Nkunku will replace Nicolas Jackson in a much-changed Chelsea lineup against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Monday.
Chelsea will aim to end a memorable first half of the 2024/25 Premier League season on a high when they lock horns with Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Monday night. And Enzo Maresca does not have any new injury concerns that are hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Reece James, Wesley Fofana, and Benoit Badiashile remain on the sidelines due to their hamstring issues. In addition, Romeo Lavia and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are touch-and-go for the year-ending Premier League game.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Maresca did not provide a fitness update on any players. However, he addressed questions on potential rotation amid the fixture pile-up for his team during the festive period.
The Chelsea manager said, “We will see if we make one change or two changes or three changes, now it’s a bit early, but for sure we are going to change something. For sure after a game you need to go again, no matter the result. Especially this month. We have already played eight or nine games in December, in 26 or 27 days. Now it’s also important to recover the energy and go again on Monday.”
Maresca also spoke about how he wants his team to react after the setback against Fulham, saying, “We never thought we would win every game. We lost on the 18 August, and then after two months, and then after two months. But we know the reality is not just to lose one game every two months. It’s a matter of how we react and try to go again.”
Maresca should make a few rotations, although most will come in the offensive department. Christopher Nkunku will likely replace Nicolas Jackson, returning to lead the line for Chelsea against Ipswich Town. The Frenchman will accompany Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Joao Felix in the final third.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. The backline should witness little surprises, with Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella completing the quartet. Finally, Robert Sanchez will take his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Joao Felix; Nkunku
