Samuel Rak-Sakyi is set to make his full debut during Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League fixture away to Astana, one of ten changes to Enzo Maresca’s side.
Midfielder Rak-Sakyi has come off the bench in our last two European games and in freezing temperatures in Kazakhstan starts for Chelsea for the first time.
Carney Chukwuemeka is selected from the off and there are also starts for Academy youngsters Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George, both of whom have also tasted first team involvement this year.
Filip Jorgensen is in goal, with Acheampong expected to join captain Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga at the back.
Rak-Sakyi is expected to line-up in midfield alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with Chukwuemeka likely to be in a more advanced role. Pedro Neto and George should be on the flanks, with Marc Guiu leading the line. Neto is the only player to retain his place from Sunday’s win at Spurs.
The bench contains nine young players, of whom only Harvey Vale has played for us at senior level before.
Chelsea: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Disasi (c), Tosin, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Rak-Sakyi, Pedro Neto, Chukwuemeka, George, Guiu
Subs: Bergstrom, Merrick, Murray-Campbell, Olise, Wilson, Dyer, Vale, Ampah, Mhueka
You can learn more about the 11 youngsters included in today’s Chelsea squad here.