Caicedo's Fitness Status Could Be Game-Changer as Chelsea Face PSG Showdown
Chelsea has enjoyed an exceptionally fruitful summer campaign so far, but they must now conquer their most challenging obstacle to secure Club World Cup triumph this Sunday.
A dazzling Paris Saint-Germain squad awaits the Blues at MetLife Stadium, with both teams gearing up for their first direct confrontation since 2016. The European titleholders have displayed commanding form throughout the elimination rounds, while Chelsea had been steady before delivering their tournament's finest display in the semifinals.
The Blues have generated substantial revenue and already energized their fanbase heading into the 2025–26 season. They face minimal risk and maximum opportunity when confronting Luis Enrique's squad.
Below is the starting eleven that Enzo Maresca might deploy for the championship match.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. PSG (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—Anxiety levels will surely spike whenever Sánchez handles possession on Sunday. This aggressive PSG squad will look to capitalize on any mistakes from Chelsea's shot-stopper.
RB: Reece James—The captain has alternated between starting and substitute roles during the competition, and despite Malo Gusto's solid contributions, James will desire involvement in this crucial encounter.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah—Chalobah has delivered impressive performances throughout the tournament, but faces an unprecedented challenge ahead.
CB: Levi Colwill—Chelsea will appreciate having Colwill restored to the first team, even though Tosin Adarabioyo has performed admirably during his absence. Colwill returns after serving a one-match ban.
LB: Marc Cucurella—While Cucurella possesses the skills to neutralize elite wingers, PSG's constant positional changes mean the Spanish defender won't face consistent matchups. This appears to be a make-or-break moment for Cucurella.
CM: Moisés Caicedo—The Ecuador midfielder remains questionable for the final following an ankle injury sustained against Fluminense. Nevertheless, Caicedo has participated in training before Sunday's match and should feature despite not being fully fit.
CM: Enzo Fernández—Fernández captained the team in the previous game and was aggressive in his tackling approach. The Argentine must find ways to match PSG's midfield intensity on Sunday.
RW: Pedro Neto—Neto has emerged as one of Chelsea's standout performers during this Club World Cup run, particularly as his main rival for playing time appears set to depart the club.
AM: Cole Palmer—Palmer has found the net only once in the tournament, and Chelsea requires their star player to step up against such formidable opposition. The key question remains whether the Blues can provide him sufficient possession to influence the game.
LW: Christopher Nkunku—Maresca has recently shown better understanding of how to utilize Nkunku effectively, which promises well for his third campaign with the club. The French forward previously wore the colors of navy and red in Paris.
ST: João Pedro—The Brazilian arrived during the tournament's midpoint and could serve as Chelsea's decisive factor in the final. Pedro netted two brilliant goals in their semifinal victory over Fluminense.