Djurgarden vs Chelsea – Team News: Maresca picks two academy stars in defence | OneFootball

Chelsea face Southampton at the 3Arena in just over an hour, and the teams are in!

Enzo Maresca has a massive game against Liverpool on Sunday to think about, but first he has to navigate a European semi final first leg. It’s something of a mixed team, with plenty of first XI players who will face the Reds this weekend mixed in with some squad options.

Filip Jorgensen plays in goal, that much was predictable given he’s been our cup keeper all the way through this competition.

Ahead of him, things get more interesting. Academy youngster Josh Acheampong plays at right back with Marc Cucurella on the left. Established second string centre back partnership Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo play in the middle of defence.

Reece James didn’t start at the weekend, which means he’s fresh for a midfield role tonight. There will be a little bit of concern about him given we’re playing on an artificial pitch in Stockholm tonight. This is certainly a big test for his body after his best run in the team in years.

He plays in midfield with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Enzo Fernandez, who will roam a little further forward. We expect Enzo to get a maximum of an hour tonight, given we want him playing on Sunday.

The front 3 sees Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho flanking Tyrique George, who will be playing as a striker.

Here are the full team line-ups for Djurgarden vs Chelsea (kick off at 20:00 GMT)

CHELSEA:

Chelsea’s team to face Djurgarden.

More thoughts on Blues’ lineup

It’s great to see Acheampong and George get another start, and it’s also nice to see some more youngsters on the bench. Tonight is all about avoiding injury, getting a decent result and hopefully setting ourselves up nicely both for Sunday’s game in the Premier League and the second leg of this game.