Acheampong hadn’t started a game since October but you wouldn’t have known it on Tuesday such was the assurance with which he performed. One first-half block saved a certain goal.

Maresca is pleased with the 19-year-old’s development and has urged him to keep performing to that high level when he is given the opportunity to do so. Our run of solid defensive displays in November may have limited his game time, but there will no doubt be plenty more minutes on the pitch ahead for Acheampong.

‘The good thing about Josh is that in the moment we give him a chance, he is always doing well,’ said Maresca.

‘This is the reason why I said many times he is going to be a big player for this club. It’s just a matter of being patient, waiting for the right moment and also knowing that if he continues to perform in the way he is doing, he is going to have more and more chances.

‘With Trev [Chalobah] and Wes [Fofana] we had four or five games with clean sheets,' added Maresca. 'Sometimes you are looking for stability. But you know when you have a player that you need and he is always ready to perform, it’s so important. Josh has to continue to do what he is doing.’

One former Blue who found regular starts hard to come by will be back at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was a key part of our triumphant Conference League campaign and made 36 appearances in total last season, including featuring in five of our seven Club World Cup matches, but started just twice in the Premier League before sealing a move to Everton in the summer.

He has since shone on Merseyside and has scored in three of the Toffees’ past four games.

‘I didn’t have any doubt about Kiernan,’ said Maresca.

‘I knew the more he played, the better he would be. With us he was good all season, working hard, the times he played he was doing well, but we had more players so it was a big competition for him.’

After three consecutive away games, the Blues return home to SW6 looking to build on the fantastic performances and results against Barcelona and Arsenal.

There was also a cracking atmosphere inside the stadium before, during and after those games, and Maresca is looking forward to having the backing of the Blues faithful once again.

He said: ‘It’s a nice feeling, and for sure we have to do something to help them be with us from the beginning, but no doubt they will be with us from the first whistle.’

Chelsea Foundation will be hosting a 'Magic of Blue' collection point at Britannia Gate ahead of Chelsea vs Everton for supporters to donate gifts. All gifts need to be in their original packaging and we are not able to accept food or drink items. Items welcome for donation include:

- Soft cosy blankets
- Unisex warm socks/Slipper socks (with grip bottoms)
- Gloves/Mittens/Hats/Scarves
- Craft kits/Puzzles/Crossword books
- Photo albums/Notebooks/2026 diaries and calendars
- Christmas decorations

Supporters are also able to donate money to support those experiencing loneliness at ChelseaFC.com/MagicOfBlue. So help support Chelsea FC Foundation by donating or sharing with your friends.