Next up for the Chelsea Academy is a massive away trip to West Ham United in the Under-18 Premier League on Tuesday. Kick-off is at midday UK time and the game will be streamed live on the Official Chelsea App.

The Hammers are currently sitting pretty at the top of the table having won their last six league games in a row. However, Chelsea remain nine points behind our title rivals, with three games in hand, having played just once in the league so far in 2024.

That means a victory would give our title hopes a big boost and start to reel in the league leaders, while putting our chances of lifting the trophy firmly in our own hands.

It won’t be easy against such an accomplished and in-form opponent, though, and Sulaiman believes the prolonged wait for this highly anticipated clash has only added to the excitement.

‘West Ham’s going to be a tough game, without a shadow of a doubt,’ said Sulaiman. ‘You can see their position in the league, they’re above us in the table.

‘Plus it’s a game that has been postponed a couple of times. We’ve been unfortunate to not be able to play this game on a couple of occasions, so I think that all adds to the taste of the game.’

Add in the fact it will be a London derby between two clubs with a proud history of producing strong Academy sides and it is sure to be a match of the highest quality as our Under-18s look to make it back-to-back victories, after seeing off Crystal Palace to book our place in the FA Youth Cup sixth round.

‘Chelsea against West Ham is always tough, so I’m expecting a fiery game. I’m expecting West Ham to be good, they’re very good defensively, but we’re always confident of our own ability so it’s going to be a really good game.

‘The boys had a couple of days off to rest and recover after the Youth Cup win on Thursday, and came back in on Sunday with fresh heads to go again and prepare for the West Ham game, so we’re ready for another big match.’