CHELSEA entertain Ipswich Town in Sunday's Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Ipswich preview
Chelsea return to domestic action following another gentle stroll in the Europa Conference League.
Manager Enzo Maresca's side are odds-on favourites to clinch the title in Poland next month, and with very good reason.
The Blues have barely got out of second gear or fielded anything like a full strength side to reach the quarter-final stage, and took control of that with a 3-0 victory over Legia on Thursday.
Victory would guarantee them a place in next season's Europa League at least, but Maresca's sights are set on Champions League qualification.
Chelsea currently occupy fourth position and have the added comfort of knowing that fifth will be enough to return to Europe's tier – a competition they won as recently as 2021.
Though currently in the top four, Chelsea have Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa breathing down their necks with the quartet separated by just two points.
So a victory in Sunday's clash with Ipswich Town is essential.
And they should feel confident. Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight home league games against Ipswich, while the visitors have lost four of their six away games against London clubs in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea have also registered a clean sheet in four of their last five top-flight games and won each of their last five Premier League games at Stamford Bridge by an aggregate score of 11-2.
As for Ipswich, any momentum gained from their brief revival against Bournemouth was swiftly undone by a costly defeat to Wolves in last weekend’s six-pointer at Portman Road.
The Tractor Boys now look destined for an immediate return to the Championship, sitting 18th in the table and a daunting 12 points from safety with only seven games remaining.
There is, however, the faintest flicker of hope. Kieran McKenna’s side may draw inspiration from their 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the reverse fixture back in December. The last promoted club to complete a league double over the Blues was Charlton Athletic in the 2000-01 season.
- Chelsea 1/3 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
- Draw 4/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
- Ipswich 9/1 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Win To Nil
We're backing Chelsea to continue their excellent home form with a victory and clean sheet on Sunday.
As mentioned, Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five Premier League games. That's as many as they managed in their previous 29 beforehand. They've conceded just once in their last five top-flight games and kept Legia out on Thursday – limiting the hosts to just a single shot on target.
- Chelsea Win to Nil at 13/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
Assist
We're backing Enzo Fernandez to provide an assist at 7/2 with William Hill this weekend.
The midfielder, 24, has provided NINE assists in 37 appearances this season and has created a whopping 22 opportunities for his Chelsea colleagues over the last six Premier League matches – only Bruno Fernandes has more (22).
- Enzo Fernandez to provide an assist at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
