English Premier League : Ipswich Town vs Chelsea preview 12/30/2024
Ipswich Town is set to host Chelsea FC in a Premier League clash on Monday, December 30, 2024. The match will take place at Portman Road, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 PM GMT.
THE STANDARD
Event Details
Date: Monday, December 30, 2024
Kick-off Time: 7:45 PM GMT / 2:45 PM ET
Venue: Portman Road, Ipswich, England
Referee: To be confirmed
Broadcast Information
United Kingdom: The match will not be televised live. Live radio commentary is available on BBC 5 Live.
90MIN
United States: Viewers can stream the game live on Peacock.
SPORTING NEWS
Canada: The match will be available on fuboTV Canada and Fubo Sports Network 3 Canada.
SPORTING NEWS
Playing Ground: Portman Road
Portman Road, the home of Ipswich Town, is a historic stadium with a seating capacity of approximately 30,000. Known for its passionate fan base, the stadium provides an intimate atmosphere that can be challenging for visiting teams. The pitch is well-maintained, offering a suitable playing surface for Premier League football.
Team News
Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town is currently struggling in the Premier League, sitting 19th in the table with 12 points. They have lost five of their last six matches and are the only side in the top flight this season without a home win.
SPORTSKEEDA
Injuries:
George Hirst (knee) – Expected to return in late January.
Janoi Donacien (ankle) – Sidelined since September.
Axel Tuanzebe (hamstring) – Out until early February.
Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles) – Season-ending injury.
Suspensions:
None.
Returning Players:
Captain Sam Morsy is expected to return after serving a suspension.
Chelsea FC
Chelsea is aiming to secure a Champions League qualification spot, currently sitting third in the Premier League standings with 35 points. They have experienced a dip in form, with a draw against Everton and a loss to Fulham in their recent matches.
THE SUN
Injuries:
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (knock) – Unavailable.
Carney Chukwuemeka (illness) – Sidelined.
Wesley Fofana (hamstring) – Out.
Benoit Badiashile (muscle) – Unavailable.
Reece James (hamstring) – Back in training but unlikely to feature.
Suspensions:
Mykhailo Mudryk – Suspended following a positive drug test.
SPORTING NEWS
Returning Players:
Romeo Lavia has returned to training and may be in contention.
Possible Lineups
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Arijanet Muric
Defenders: Harry Clarke, Dara O'Shea, Cameron Burgess, Leif Davis
Midfielders: Sam Morsy, Jens Cajuste
Attacking Midfielders: Wes Burns, Omari Hutchinson, Sammie Szmodics
Forward: Liam Delap
Chelsea FC (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
Defenders: Bad Taste, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez
Attacking Midfielders: Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, João Félix
Forward: Christopher Nkunku
Head-to-Head
Historically, Chelsea has dominated this fixture. In their last 41 meetings, Chelsea has secured 21 wins, Ipswich has won 9 times, and there have been 11 draws. The most recent encounter was in January 2011, where Chelsea triumphed 7-0 in an FA Cup match.
SPORTSKEEDA
Tactical Preview
Ipswich Town
Manager Kieran McKenna is likely to set up his team defensively, aiming to frustrate Chelsea and exploit opportunities on the counter-attack. The return of captain Sam Morsy will bolster the midfield, providing both defensive cover and leadership. Wingers Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson will be crucial in transitioning from defense to attack, utilizing their pace to challenge Chelsea's full-backs.
Chelsea FC
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has favored a possession-based approach, emphasizing quick ball circulation and high pressing. The potential inclusion of Christopher Nkunku as the central striker offers a dynamic attacking