The last two months have been smooth sailing for Chelsea before they reached a festive point. This is the Sean Dyche effect.
The Blues' unwavering momentum appeared to have been halted by Everton at Goodison Park before then Fulham stunned on Boxing Day. Enzo Maresca's hesitation when it comes to talking about the title suddenly makes sense.
Despite their stumble, Chelsea are well ahead of schedule. Sure, the title may be out of their reach this season, but reaching the top four has been the club's primary goal and they have set themselves up to achieve it during the second half of the season.
However, they must ensure that their current retreat does not drift into a world of distress.
Here's how Marisca could line up for the Blues at Ipswich in their final match of 2024 on Monday night.
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez – The jury was always out for the Spaniard, but Sanchez was one of them Chelsea's best performance On recent outings. He is asserting himself as the club's number one.
RB: He doesn't want – Reece James is back in training and may be ready to return soon, but Giusto is likely to get the nod at right-back again on Monday.
Centre-back: Tosin Adarabioyo – Although the result was not the result he was seeking, Tosin performed well against his former club On boxing day He is a quick player to keep his place in light of Chelsea's injuries at centre-back.
Centre-back: Levi Colwell – The England international still has a lot to learn, but is proving he can act as a cornerstone Chelsea Backline for years to come. Availability is the best ability.
LB: Mark Cucurella – The chaos agent has been one of the best performing left-backs in the Premier League this season, and is starting to fancy himself in the final third. After scoring against Brentford, Cucurella came close to adding to his tally on Boxing Day.
CM: Moises Caicedo – Caicedo is the backbone of the Chelsea squad and has continued to perform at an incredibly high level in the absence of Romeo Lavia. The midfield duo established a great relationship at the base of midfield before Lafia suffered another injury.
Midfielder: Enzo Fernandez – Lavia's absence means Fernandes has greater defensive responsibilities, but Giusto's tendency to shift from right-back offers the Argentine the freedom to attack.
RM: Noni Maddock – Maresca is asking a lot of Madueke, who has enjoyed a productive season but was left out of Thursday's squad due to injury. “Technical decision”. Perhaps he will be given the opportunity to prove his point Portman's way.
AM: Cole Palmer – Palmer's indifferent brilliance has opened up Fulham's compact defensive structure on Boxing Day, and he may be tasked with saving the Blues from defending deep on Monday. No Chelsea player has scored more goals in the Premier League in a single calendar year From Palmer (26 in 2024).
LM: Joao Felix – Maresca's favored winger has struggled to impress in recent matches, so there could be a return to the starting line-up for Felix – an unused substitute on Boxing Day. The Blues can aim to beat Ipswich through smooth rotations and combinations between the lines.
ST: Christopher Nkunku – Nicholas Jackson has been excellent this season, but some rest could do him some good. Nkunku was flattered by his deception Premier League So far, but he may be given a chance to impress on Monday.
