Chelsea are riding a huge wave of momentum heading into the festive period.
Eight victories in a row across all competitions, safely into the last 16 of the Europa Conference League, and as things stand, the nearest challengers to Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
In fact, the Blues will go top of the table - albeit possibly only for a couple of hours - if they beat Everton on Sunday because the leaders are in action away at Tottenham later in the afternoon.
Enzo Maresca may keep down playing his side’s title chances, but Chelsea are on course to be in a strong position heading into 2025.
Though, disciplinary issues could prove problematic, with the Italian tactician having already had to deal with numerous suspensions this season and a number of players are facing a ban during the hectic festive period.
Already without the suspended Marc Cucurella for the trip to Goodison Park, Maresca will need to have a word with a few of his players, urging them to tread carefully.
Which Chelsea players are close to a suspension?
Players who pick up five yellow cards in the first 19 Premier League matches of the season will receive a one-match ban. The threshold for a suspension after that point in the campaign is raised to 10 bookings after 32 matches.
Therefore, Chelsea’s match against Ipswich Town on December 30 is the final game in which suspensions will be handed out for a fifth yellow card.
With four yellow cards each, both Nicolas Jackson and Robert Sanchez are the Chelsea players in immediate danger as they need to avoid a booking against Everton, Fulham and Ipswich to avoid a one-game ban.
Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Noni Madueke are all on three yellow cards, so they too need to be careful over the next three matches.
Meanwhile, Malo Gusto, Joao Felix and Renato Veiga have more breathing room on two and therefore just have to avoid a booking against the Toffees to no longer be a suspension risk.
Four yellow cards: Nicolas Jackson and Robert Sanchez
Three yellow cards: Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Noni Madueke
