Ipswich Town vs Chelsea preview: Free betting tips, odds and predictions

CHELSEA travel to Portman Road for Monday’s Premier League battle with Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

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Ipswich Town vs Chelsea preview

Chelsea will look to return to winning ways when they arrive at Portman Road to take on a struggling Ipswich Town on Monday evening.

Following a brilliant spell of eight-successive victories in all competitions, Enzo Maresca’s side have stuttered.

The Blues battled to a goalless draw against Everton at Goodison Park before suffering a 95th-minute defeat to London rivals Fulham on Boxing Day – their first win away at Chelsea in 45 years.

Despite taking one point from a possible six, Chelsea remain in good shape for Champions League qualification – six points ahead of fifth-placed Newcastle United after 18 games.

Only Tottenham and Liverpool have netted more goals than Maresca’s side, who boast the second-highest xG (expected goals) in the Premier League.

No side can better their points tally (20) or goal tally (23) on the road this season, while they’ve historically enjoyed this fixture having won 18 of their 38 games against Ipswich (D10, L9).

As for Kieran McKenna’s side, things are starting to look ominous.

Wolves’ resurgence paired with a run of four defeats in their last five matches has seen the Tractor Boys drop to 19th position – three adrift from safety.

Goals have been the major issue with the hosts having registered just three in their last five games, blanking in three of those and failing to score more than once on 11 occasions this season.

They also have the lowest xG of any side in the Premier League.

Ipswich Town vs Chelsea preview betting odds

• Ipswich Town 11/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

• Draw 4/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE

• Chelsea 3/8 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Ipswich Town vs Chelsea preview betting tips and predictions

Cole brace

Cole Palmer got himself back on the scoresheet on Boxing Day with a superb solo effort against Fulham. He’s netted 12 goals in 18 Premier League appearances this season, with five of those scored in his last six top-flight appearances. Others have chipped in, but he remains Chelsea’s most likely scorer.

He leads the way on xG (expected goals) over the last four league matches with 2.25 and ranks top for attempts on goal and shots on target – averaging an effort every 23.8 minutes.

• Cole Palmer to score 2+ goals at 5/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Carded

In terms of fouls at Portman Road, one man reigns supreme – and that’s Liam Delap. He’s committed 20 fouls at home this season, which is more than double any Ipswich Town player other than Sam Morsy (18).

The striker, 21, has served his one-match suspension for an accumulation of five yellow cards and should spearhead the attack against Chelsea on Monday.

• Liam Delap to be carded at 7/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

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