Chelsea vs Ipswich prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2025-04-12 13:00.
[p]Chelsea took charge of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final on Thursday night with a 3-0 win at Legia Warsaw. That might mean head coach Enzo Maresca can afford to play his best side here against Ipswich Town, with the fight to secure UEFA Champions League football next season still hanging in the balance. The Blues start the weekend in fourth, above Newcastle United only on goal difference, with Eddie Howe’s men boasting a game in hand. [/p]
[p]Given that their upcoming opponents look certain to suffer relegation this term, home fans will hope for and expect maximum points from this clash. Adding to that confidence is the fact that Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight league matches at Stamford Bridge against Ipswich (W6, D2) since a 3-2 loss in May 1979, while each of the Blues’ last six competitive games here have seen them win. [/p]
[p]Although it seems remarkable now given their current woes, Ipswich did actually sign off 2024 with a 2-0 triumph over Chelsea in the reverse fixture. That boosted belief that they could avoid the drop this season, yet just one Premier League victory since then (D2, L9), including a damaging 2-1 defeat at Portman Road to Wolverhampton Wanderers, above them in 17th and now 12 points clear, looks to have consigned the Tractor Boys to a return to the Championship. [/p]
[p]Manager Kieran McKenna stated in the wake of that loss that he now accepts his side are likely to “fall short” in their survival bid, yet he also said that the motivation to perform remains strong. There is plenty to still target here, with Ipswich looking to complete just their second league double over Chelsea, having previously done so in the 1978/79 top-flight campaign.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Noni Madueke grabbed a brace in Thursday’s win, while Chelsea have avoided defeat in four of the five league matches in which he has scored this season (G7 – W3, D1). Liam Delap has netted 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich this term – only three players have scored at least that many for a promoted club to England’s top flight while aged 22 or younger.[/p]
[p]Hot streak: Chelsea could win six successive Premier League home games for the first time since July 2020. [/p]
[p][i]Written by David HÂ [/i][/p]