Our development squad take a trip to the Midlands tonight (Friday) as they face Derby County in Premier League 2, a game you can watch live across Chelsea platforms.
The young Blues come into this game off the back of a 1-1 draw with Brighton last week and will be looking to secure all three points against the league’s bottom club. Kick-off at the Loughborough University Stadium is at 7pm and the game will be live streamed on the official Chelsea website and the 5th Stand app.
Difficult opposition
Head coach Andy Myers will not be looking at the table, however, to gauge the ability of the opposition after the Rams secured a fantastic 5-3 victory over PL2 league leaders Arsenal in their last fixture.
‘This will be a very, very tough game,' he told us in the build-up. 'Their position in the league is probably a false one.
'As we've seen throughout this season, every team is capable of beating anyone.’
He went on to add that: ‘Derby are a well-coached team. We most certainly will be looking to win the game but we cannot use their league position to determine the result.’
Squad update
There have been a number of absentees following the international break so Myers clarified the status of some regulars in his squad.
‘Josh Brooking had a fracture to his face so we are just waiting with him until he gets back to a place where he can play,' stated the boss.
'Teddy Sharman-Lowe has had flu so it is a day-by-day situation with him and the same goes for Harvey Vale, who is in a day-by-day situation too.'
Immediate improvements
Nevertheless, Myers has been impressed with his squad’s application over recent weeks, even if he does believe the team can improve, especially in the attacking areas of the pitch. Our young Blues have scored 19 goals this season; only Everton have scored fewer in PL2 with 17.
‘As a collective, we want to add more goals to our game,' he added. 'We have gone on good streaks of form but in a number of games converting draws to wins can only come from putting the ball in the back of the net.
'If we convert our nearly moments into goals, you will definitely see us rise up the table.’
Myers also took the opportunity to thank his team after what has been one of the toughest schedules in recent seasons for the Academy, with the Under-19s' final UEFA Youth League group game to come next week and the FA Youth Cup also about to begin in earnest.
‘Hats off to everyone involved - the coaches, physios and the rest of the support team,' he added.
'This has probably been the heaviest programme with all the competitions we are involved in. We will need to continue sticking together and working together to ensure we have a successful season.’
The game against Derby will be live streamed on the Chelsea website and the 5th Stand app on Friday evening from 7pm. Tickets are also available now for our Youth Cup third round tie against Leyton Orient next Sunday 12 December, kick-off 12 midday at Kingsmeadow.