Cardiff 1-3 Chelsea

[Stats 7,195]

13 minutes ago, Vesper said:

Everything you need to know about why Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo must serve a one-match suspension in the Carabao Cup...

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/Chelsea-moises-caicedo-carabao-cup-36419787

1. Chelsea's Cup success: Enzo Maresca's side advanced to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night following a 3-1 victory against Cardiff City. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto secured the win and a spot in the competition's final four.
2. Suspension details: Moises Caicedo will be unavailable for the first leg of the semi-final in January after picking up a yellow card during the match. This caution was his second in the competition, triggering an automatic one-match suspension.
3. The quarter-final incident: The booking occurred in the 45th minute when referee Tony Harrington penalised Caicedo for dissent. The midfielder was sanctioned for sarcastically applauding the official's decision to award a free-kick to Cardiff.
4. Previous offence: Caicedo’s first yellow card of the Carabao Cup campaign was received during the previous round against Wolverhampton Wanderers. On that occasion, he was booked for arguing with the referee deep into second-half stoppage time.
5. Timing of the ban: Because the second booking occurred before the semi-final stage, the suspension must be served in the next round. Yellow cards are typically wiped before the semi-finals, but this does not nullify bans triggered by cards accumulated in the quarter-finals.
6. Upcoming fixtures: The semi-final first leg is scheduled for the week of January 12, with the return leg following in early February. Chelsea are set to face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace as they compete for a place in the Wembley final.
7. Impact on the side: Caicedo has become a vital component of Maresca’s midfield and his absence represents a significant blow for the first leg. The manager will now have to find a tactical alternative to replace the Ecuadorian's defensive presence.

That is annoying. Did not know that until now. I hope Palace beat Arsenal but I do not see it. They look really stretched right now. Arsenal's depth is crazy even with injuries. Palace have Sarr away at AFCON. Munoz requires surgery and that is their most dangerous side of attack. Mateta looks exhausted and their schedule is as crazy as any other team and does not help that Glasner does not rotate much. Would defo be better for us if Palace win but think Arsenal will win. Arsenal have a whole week's rest at the moment while Palace have had a game, week in, week out for like the whole season. 

[Vesper 30,589]

7 hours ago, Stats said:

I hope Palace beat Arsenal but I do not see it. They look really stretched right now.

Palace have 3 games in next 6 days (tonight, then Saturday, then Tuesday). That is madness, especially for such a low-depth squad. The will also be without 3 key players: RB Daniel Muñoz and DMF Cheick Doucouré are out injured, plus RW/AMF Ismaïla Sarr is off to Africa with Senegal's national team for a month. CB Chadi Riad is also out until January.