Manager Kieran McKenna says he relishes tough challenges like Monday’s clash against Chelsea at Portman Road (7:45 pm) and Friday’s narrow 1-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates, calling them the type of games that excite him.
Town enter the halfway point of the Premier League season positioned 19th, three points and goal difference from safety, after a narrow loss to Arsenal. The Gunners leapfrogged Chelsea into second place following the Blues’ 2-1 home defeat to Fulham a day earlier. Chelsea’s derby loss was their third league defeat this season, coming after a 0-0 draw at Everton, which snapped an eight-match winning streak across all competitions, five of those in the league.*
Interestingly, Chelsea have performed better away, collecting 20 points compared to 15 at Stamford Bridge. On the road, they’ve secured six wins, two draws, and just one loss—a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in October.
Town boss Kieran McKenna acknowledges the challenge of the upcoming fixtures but views them as opportunities to embrace.
“It’s a tough test but a great game,” McKenna said. *”Coming to the Emirates to play Arsenal at Christmas is something to be excited about, not feared. Facing Chelsea at home is the same. It’s the last home game of 2024—let’s give it everything.”
Despite restricting Arsenal to few clear chances, McKenna hinted at potential lineup changes for the second game in four days.
“When you’ve got games on Friday night and Monday night, changes are likely. We’ll assess over the weekend.”
Monday’s match sees McKenna reunite with Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca, both managers having achieved promotion from the Championship last season. The two shared competitive encounters last term, with their teams drawing 1-1 twice. McKenna acknowledged the similarities in Chelsea’s tactical structure but noted Maresca now works with higher-caliber players.
“Enzo’s done a fantastic job. He’s taken Chelsea to another level this year,” McKenna remarked.
Maresca, in turn, praised McKenna’s work at Town, calling it “fantastic.” Speaking ahead of the match, Maresca highlighted the competitive nature of every Premier League game.
“All matches are complicated, and Ipswich will be no different. Ending 2024 with a win is very important, and we’ll prepare as always to secure three points.”
Chelsea are missing key players, including Reece James and Wesley Fofana (hamstring), Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspension), and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (knock). Meanwhile, midfielder Romeo Lavia edges closer to returning.
Historically, Chelsea dominate this fixture, winning 23 matches to Town’s nine, with 11 draws. However, Town haven’t beaten Chelsea since a 1-0 victory at Portman Road in August 1993. The last league encounter, in April 2002, ended 0-0.
Monday’s referee is John Brooks, with Michael Oliver as the VAR official.
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