Tractor Boys host Blues in final game of the year.

[introduction]

After Friday’s defeat to Arsenal, the Tractor Boys face Chelsea in Monday’s clash, hoping to end a two-game losing run. Ipswich Town vs. Chelsea kicks off at 19:45 [GMT] on December 30 at Portman Road.

[home]

Another challenging fixture awaits the Tractor Boys, who are struggling to find form as they sit 19th in the Premier League with just 12 points. Kai Havertz’s close-range finish [23′] was enough for Arsenal to claim all three points against Ipswich on Friday night, handing them consecutive defeats [LLWLL]. Despite the loss, manager Kieran McKenna found positives, describing it as “a good step back in the right direction.” He also commended his side’s defensive performance, stating, “The way we turned the momentum to put the game in a good position for us is something to take confidence from. Some of our defending was good, and we’ll need that on Monday against Chelsea.” Historically, Ipswich have struggled in this fixture, winning just one of their last 14 league meetings with Chelsea [1W, 6D, 7L]. They are winless in their last seven encounters with the Blues, with their most recent victory coming in a 1-0 home win in August 1993. However, they can take encouragement from their record in final league matches of the year. Ipswich remain unbeaten in their last four such games [2W, 2D, 0L]. Kieran McKenna is likely to maintain his preferred 4—5—1 setup, with Liam Delap expected to lead the attack.

[away]

Chelsea were stunned in a shocking 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Boxing Day. Despite taking the lead through Cole Palmer [16′], Chelsea were unable to hold on as Fulham staged a resilient comeback. After the match, manager Enzo Maresca expressed frustration with his team’s performance, stating, “I think probably the first 10-15 minutes of the second half we conceded too many transitions to them. We could control much better the second half, especially the first 15-20 minutes.” Chelsea dropped into 3rd place and are now 7 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. The Blues have historically thrived against newly promoted teams in their final Premier League games of the year. They remain unbeaten in all five such matches [4W, 1D, 0L]. Additionally, the Blues have an impressive record when closing out the year, going unbeaten in their last 12 final games of the calendar year [8W, 4D, 0L] since a 3-1 home loss to Aston Villa on New Year’s Eve in 2011. Nicolas Jackson is expected to continue leading the attack in Maresca’s preferred 4—5—1 formation.