Chelsea vs Djurgarden – Team News: 16 year old makes full debut for Blues | OneFootball

Chelsea face Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge in just over an hour, and the teams are in!

With a 4-1 win from the first leg in the bag, this is very much an exercise in just keeping players fit and fresh, Enzo Maresca knows that the real test comes on Sunday when we play Newcastle.

His selection very much reflects that reality. There is a lot which mirrors the team from previous rounds: Filip Jorgensen plays in goal, Malo Gusto at right back, Tosin Adarabioyo at centre back with Benoit Badiashile.

Marc Cucurella plays at left back, despite being a first team regular. This really highlights the need for a good alternative left back in the summer.

That’s where things get really interesting – Josh Acheampong is also in the team. He looks to be playing in midfield with Reece James, and most amazingly of all – 16 year old Reggie Walsh.

The academy kid made his debut in the first leg off the bench, and now gets his first start.

Up front, Nicolas Jackson is rested, so Tyrique George leads the line, flanked by Jadon Sancho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

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

CHELSEA:

Chelsea’s team to face Djurgarden in the Conference League semi final second leg.

Other ways Enzo Maresca could set up his chosen XI

There are other ways this could be arranged – maybe Acheampong at right back and Malo Gust on the wing? Is Dewsbury-Hall in midfield? Is there a back 3 in play? We won’t really be sure until we see the whole team lining up. In any case, this should be an easy win for the Blues.

While Maresca has frustrated us with some of his decisions over young players, there’s no doubt he’s also made great strides in handing out a lot of debuts, and we applaud him for that.