A major setback has hit Chelsea as Wesley Fofana undergoes surgery on a hamstring injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Romeo Lavia and Marc Guiu continue to be sidelined, although there is optimism from head coach Enzo Maresca regarding their potential return before the campaign concludes. On the other side, Ipswich faces its own challenges with Omari Hutchinson requiring assessment due to a similar hamstring concern. Additional players such as Wes Burns, Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics, and Arijanet Muric are also unavailable for selection.
Historical encounters between these two clubs reveal intriguing dynamics. Ipswich triumphed 2-0 over Chelsea at Portman Road in December, aiming for their second league double against the London club since 1978-79. Notably, Ipswich's last victory at Stamford Bridge occurred in May 1979, featuring a standout performance by Alan Brazil. However, recent visits have not been favorable, including a significant 7-0 loss in the FA Cup third round in 2011. Despite this, both teams bring distinct narratives into their upcoming clash.
The match presents an opportunity for growth and resilience. Chelsea seeks to extend its winning streak at home in the Premier League, targeting six consecutive victories—a feat not achieved since July 2020. While defense has improved significantly, scoring output has dipped since December. In contrast, Ipswich aims to secure back-to-back away wins in the top flight for the first time in over two decades. Their reliance on strong away performances highlights their adaptability, while young talent Liam Delap continues to shine with impressive goal contributions. This fixture underscores the importance of overcoming adversity and harnessing youthful energy for future successes.