Everton are looking to beat Chelsea this weekend – and Moises Caicedo will need to be extremely careful.
David Moyes’ side are back at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and are looking to bounce back after losing to Arsenal.
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The Toffees were fairly unlucky against the Gunners, conceding two late goals after a great defensive showing.
But Chelsea are an opportunity to get points on the board, with Liam Rosenior’s side having just been thrashed by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
They also lost to Newcastle United in the league last time out.
Key to victory will be to win the midfield battle, and a point of interest for the clash is Caicedo.
Moises Caicedo may not be his usual combative self vs Everton, amid threat of suspension
Coming into this game, Caicedo is on nine yellow cards for the season.
If he picks up one more booking against Everton, he’ll have to serve a two-game suspension. The threat will disappear if he can get through the 32nd fixture of the season without a caution.
He’ll surely want to do that and so, it is likely that he’ll be treading extra carefully against the Toffees.
As one of the best midfielders around, Chelsea will absolutely not want him unavailable for two games. So Rosenior will likely remind him of his situation ahead of the game, and to be careful.
This is potentially good news for Everton, because ball-winning is one of Caicedo’s fortés.
It’s possible this two-game suspension threat will alter the way he plays, and allow his Everton counterparts to get the upper hand.
Like Everton, Chelsea are looking to secure European football next season. So to lose Caicedo for two games doesn’t bear thinking about for them.
With the Ecuadorian watching his step, the onus will be on James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye to capitalise.
Or potentially Tim Iroegbunam and Gueye, if Moyes keeps Garner at right-back.
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