This is a Chelsea predicted lineup for their Premier League clash with Ipswich as part of the Sunday trio of kick-offs at 2pm. The reverse fixture offered up an embarrassing defeat for the Blues and they will need a better outcome this time at home. The race for the Champions League will be tight thanks to Newcastle’s resurgence and Manchester City being serial winners so three points here will be the aim.
The manager has made it clear that Rob Sanchez is the number one goalkeeper for league matches while Filip Jorgensen deputies in the Europa Conference League. Rotation has caused a number of players to feature in the back line as Josh Acheampong, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Benoit Badiashile have all featured.
James has also featured in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Enzo has also moved up to the number 10 role where Cole Palmer usually plays. Tyrique George, Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, and Noni Madueke are the main options on the wings. Christopher Nkunku has started as the striker as Nicolas Jackson’s minutes get managed with just one start for the Senegal man since the international break ended. George also played up front for a bit against Legia but likely won’t be asked to fulfil that role here.
Enzo Maresca has continued to use his 4-2-3-1 setup that ends up with a 3-2-4-1 or a diamond in midfield, one fullback inverts to partner someone in midfield or occupy the space outside the box. The idea behind this is to control the game and possession with the goalkeeper being used as a key part of playing out from the back.
This setup has looked effective recently. The team has only one defeat in their last eight outings, which was a fairly expected loss to Arsenal. Defensively, the Blues have suddenly learned to defend as they went from conceding constantly to keeping a number of clean sheets recently. Goalscoring has become a bit more of an issue with them being limited to netting once or less in a match five times in their recent good run.
It’s expected to be the same as usual with only four absentees from the senior squad per PremierInjuries. Marc Guiu, Romeo Lavia, and Wesley Fofana are injured, while Mykkailo Mudryk is suspended indefinitely.
GK – Rob Sanchez
LB – Marc Cucurella
CB – Tosin Adarabioyo
CB – Levi Colwill
RB – Reece James
DM – Moises Caicedo
DM – Enzo Fernandez
AM – Cole Palmer
W – Noni Madueke
W – Pedro Neto
ST – Nicolas Jackson
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