This Tuesday night marks a crucial round of matches in Group D of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. One of the key showdowns features Chelsea and Esperance ST, both battling for the group’s second spot. Despite the high stakes, Moises Caicedo will not be part of the starting eleven.
Head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed the lineup just minutes before kickoff and opted to leave Caicedo out of the starting XI, even though the Ecuadorian midfielder has been a vital part of the squad throughout the season. However, he will be available off the bench.
Moises Caicedo had started both of Chelsea’s previous matches in the group stage of the Club World Cup. In the opener against Los Angeles FC—a 2-0 win for the English side—he partnered with Romeo Lavia in midfield and was subbed off in the 84th minute for Dario Essugo. In the loss to Flamengo, he played the full 90 minutes.
This time, however, Maresca opted for a different approach, choosing a midfield duo of Lavia and Enzo Fernandez. While there has been no official confirmation on why Caicedo was left out of the starting XI, the fact that he is on the bench strongly suggests it was a tactical decision rather than an injury concern.
Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea
Chelsea starting lineup vs Esperance
Head coach Enzo Maresca named the following starting XI for Chelsea’s clash against Esperance ST on Tuesday night at Lincoln Financial Field: Filip Jorgensen; Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong; Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia; Noni Madueke, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Christopher Nkunku; Liam Delap.
What do Chelsea need to advance?
Chelsea entered Matchday 3 of the Club World Cup in second place in Group D with 3 points—the same tally as Esperance. With Flamengo already qualified as group winners and LAFC eliminated, the final Round of 16 spot will be decided directly between Chelsea and Esperance.
see also
Where to watch ES Tunis vs Chelsea live in the USA: FIFA Club World Cup 2025
The Blues hold a key advantage: a better goal difference and more goals scored. That means a draw would be enough for Chelsea to secure the coveted second spot in the group. Of course, a win would also see them through. For Esperance, the only way to advance is with a victory.
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