Chelsea’s top-four hopes were no doubt dented by their 0-0 draw at Brentford and they could be in for yet another banana skin against Ipswich Town this weekend.
Enzo Maresca’s side currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, with only goal difference separating them and fifth-placed Newcastle.
Next up for Chelsea is relegation strugglers Ipswich, who will be hoping to complete a miraculous double over their opponent 14 places above them in the division.
Having been stung by the Tractor Boys last time out, Maresca will no doubt be wary of the opposition’s threat, with Liam Delap being one player in particular who could cause the Blues problems.
Liam Delap could dent Chelsea’s top 4 aspirations
Ipswich’s return to the Premier League has not been a fruitful one, however former Manchester City man Delap has proven to be more than ready for the top flight.
The 22-year-old has scored 12 goals this season, representing almost 40% of Ipswich’s total goals for the season, proving to be their ultimate talisman.
One of his 12 came against Chelsea at Portman Road where Ipswich had the upper hand in a memorable 2-0 victory.
| Player | Premier League Goals |
| Liam Delap | 12 |
| Nicolas Jackson | 9 |
| Noni Madueke | 7 |
| Pedro Neto | 3 |
| Christopher Nkunku | 3 |
| Jadon Sancho | 2 |
Since that game, Delap has seemingly caught the attention of the Blues hierarchy, with Chelsea reportedly interested in signing the young forward this summer for £30m – according to The Guardian.
Despite being liked with a move to West London, Delap will be hungry to further derail Maresca’s quest for a top-four finish as the Tractor boys look to end the season on a high.
Enzo Maresca is a fan of Delap
Chelsea are not the only club chasing the Ipswich’s man signature, however, with London rivals Arsenal also being linked with Delap.
Likely to cost £30m thanks to a relegation clause in his contract, the Blues may see Delap as a budget option to improve their frontline this summer.
With that being said, Maresca seems to be a fan of the 22-year-old’s talents, having previously worked with him at Man City.
“Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age,” Maresca told the press in December 2024. “I think we spent one year together and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.
“England have many good players, many good strikers [but] he’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals. I think he can be an important player for England.”