After avoiding a 10th yellow card and ultimately a suspension last weekend, Moises Caicedo is set to start for Chelsea against Manchester United on Saturday.
Caicedo has not been at his best lately, but the last time Chelsea took on United in the Premier League, the midfielder impressed.
The Blues lost 2-1 that day after Robert Sanchez was sent off just five minutes into the match. But if Caicedo puts in a similar performance and Liam Rosenior’s side can keep all 11 men on the pitch, they have a good chance of winning the game.
What has happened to Moises Caicedo?
Moises Caicedo match rating vs Man City
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Moises Caicedo won all five of his tackles in previous meeting against Manchester United
After losing 2-1 to Leeds United earlier this week, Michael Carrick’s honeymoon period at United is fully over, and Chelsea need to take advantage of that. Another strong midfield performance from Caicedo against them could help the Club World Cup winners to do just that.
According to Sofascore, in Chelsea’s defeat to United at Old Trafford back in September, Caicedo won all five of the tackles he attempted.
The 24-year-old also made three interceptions and won eight out of 13 ground duels. Defensively, it was an excellent performance, but it is the kind of display that Chelsea supporters have not seen from him in a while.
Who should partner Moises Caicedo in midfield against Manchester United?
Moises Caicedo's tackling stat vs United
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
There is no better time than now for Caicedo to reproduce that showing. With Chelsea competing against United for a Champions League place, they cannot afford to lose on Saturday.
In fact, sitting four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, truly, they need a win. With the form that Rosenior’s men are in, you would not back them to earn the three points, but it is certainly not impossible.
It will be interesting to see who partners Caicedo in midfield at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Fernandez is back from his club-enforced suspension, but he was playing as No.10 before being taken out of the team.
Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos are more likely options, especially considering the magnitude of the game.
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