The Blues enjoyed a positive spell heading into the break, with momentum and morale high. We go into Friday’s game eight games unbeaten, including four consecutive victories, most recently a commanding 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The meeting with the Cottagers, which you can watch live for free on the Chelsea Official App and website, represents our final regular Premier League 2 fixture before the play-off stage begins, where the top 16 teams enter a knockout competition. The Blues currently sit top of the table, level on points with Manchester United but ahead on goal difference. A win could secure top spot and set up a first-round tie at home against the team finishing 16th.

With the squad back together and full training under way, we sat down with one of the Under-21s' more experienced players, goalkeeper Max Merrick, to get an insight into the mood ahead of the London derby.

‘The performances have been positive,’ the 20-year-old said. 'Our goal is to win the league and do as well as we can. We go into every game looking to win. The boys have been excellent, morale is high and there’s a really good feeling in the group.

'We’ll be ready for the next games. Momentum is everything in football. It can change quickly, so it’s vital we carry that into the next fixtures.

‘Personally, I had a tough injury at the start, which took a bit of time to recover from, but once I got going I grew into my stride. Since then, my performances have improved and I’m focused on playing like a proper men’s player to take the next step.'

This season, Merrick and the other Academy goalkeepers have worked closely with David Martin, who oversees the goalkeeping pathway from Under-16 to Under-21 level. With a playing career that included spells at Liverpool, West Ham United, MK Dons and Millwall, Martin brings a wealth of experience to Cobham.

We asked Merrick what it has been like learning from someone who has been through the professional game.

‘Dave’s been brilliant,’ Merrick added. ‘Having someone who’s been through it all as a former player has been invaluable. He understands the game and the challenges that come with it, so the advice he gives really hits home.

‘He’s helped me a lot both on and off the pitch, particularly with my confidence, and he’s pushed me to come out of my shell more. I feel like I’ve grown a lot working with him this season.’

Merrick joined Chelsea at Under-13 level following a successful trial and has progressed through the ranks at Cobham. During the 2023/24 season he featured for the Under-18s, before establishing himself as the regular Under-21s keeper in the current campaign.

In January 2025, he gained further senior experience with a loan move to National League South side Hampton & Richmond. That spell has contributed to his development, and he has since become a key figure in Harry Hudson’s Under-21s side.

As one of the more experienced members of a young squad, Merrick has also taken on added responsibility within the group.

‘As one of the older players, I feel my leadership has developed a lot,’ he continued. ‘I’m growing into that role. My experiences out on loan have helped, and I’ve learned how to communicate with different players. It’s been great to step up as one of the leaders in the group.

‘There are a few key qualities that make a good leader. Confidence is important, especially when getting your point across, but it’s also about respect. If you’re respected by the group, it goes a long way. If you have both, it really helps.’

Last month also marked a significant milestone in Merrick’s career, as he signed a new contract extending his stay at the club until at least 2028.

‘It means everything to sign another contract with Chelsea,’ he said. ‘I’m really proud, especially having come through the club. It’s a big step in my career and hopefully there’s more to come.

‘My family were buzzing. We’re all Chelsea supporters, so to play for the club I love means everything to them. Everyone - from my grandparents to my cousins - was really happy for me.

‘It’s a massive privilege to represent the club. It’s one of the biggest in the world, so wearing the badge and coming in every day is something I really enjoy.’

Alongside his role with the development squad, Merrick has also gained exposure to the men’s team environment this season, including involvement in UEFA Champions League matchday squads.

‘It’s been a great experience being around the men’s team,’ Merrick said. ‘You can see the level and the standards required. Being in that environment has been really important for my development, especially as a leader.

‘I look up to the goalkeepers there. It’s a strong group and they’ve been very welcoming. They’ve given me good advice and helped me a lot.

‘Being around that environment has improved my confidence and decision-making. Knowing when to do certain things has come on a lot. It’s been an amazing experience overall.’

Next up for Merrick and his team-mates is a west London derby against Fulham. The Cottagers currently sit fifth in the Premier League 2 table and will provide a tough test under the lights.

‘I’m really excited and so are the boys,’ he added. ‘It’s a big game, a local derby and we want to win it to go into the play-offs in a strong position.

‘Playing under the floodlights gives the game a different feel. It’s always exciting and hopefully there will be a good crowd there as well.

‘It’s crucial to finish the regular season strongly as we head into the play-offs. There’s always pressure at this stage, but it’s about staying calm and embracing it. If we do that, we’ll be in a strong position.

‘From a personal point of view, clean sheets are always nice, but the main thing is the team winning and everyone performing well. It would be huge to finish top of the league. We haven’t won an Under-21s competition in a while, so it would mean a lot to everyone at the club. We’d all be buzzing.’

Watch the Blues live!

Supporters can watch the Under-21s take on Fulham on Friday 10 April at Motspur Park, kicking off at 7pm, for free. To access the live stream on the Chelsea Official App and website, follow the Fulham vs Chelsea Under-21s Match Centre below or visit the homepage shortly before kick-off.