Jadon Sancho will not be playing against Manchester United tomorrow night.
The winger is, firstly, ineligible to play against his parent club. Secondly, he’s been ill and has missed some recent training sessions. And thirdly, he has lost his starting place to Pedro Neto anyway.
The Portugal winger was handed the left wing slot to start the season, but ended up losing out to Sancho once the Man U winger’s loan was confirmed.
In recent weeks, however, Neto has struck back.
Sancho’s last game came against Liverpool after the international break, where he was taken off at half time. Since then he’s not played a single minute, despite Chelsea having competed in 3 competitions since then. Neto has had some good moments in Sancho’s absence, but it doesn’t feel like he’s fully made the position his own yet.
The former Wolves winger’s ability to play on both sides has meant he’s had plenty of minutes, without locking down a single position as his own. Tomorrow’s game, given how important it is, and given Sancho isn’t around to worry about, is a great chance for Neto to cement the progress of the last few games.
Pieces fall into place for perfect Neto game
The pace Neto has adds a very different dimension to Sancho’s more technical style, and as we saw in the way he latched on to Cole Palmer’s superb pass against Newcastle last weekend, it makes us an even more dangerous counter attacking team.
The combination of Palmer’s passing, Madueke’s dribbling, Neto’s speed and Jackson’s work rate and link-up play makes us a fearsome prospect for any team which tries to attack us. And given Man U will be at home with a “new manager bounce” atmosphere in play, it seems likely they will.
It’s your time to shine, Pedro.