Chelsea have been handed a real curveball when it comes to their upcoming Conference League game against Astana.
Enzo Maresca will no doubt be looking to keep up his side’s 100% record in the European competition so far this season. However, it is likely very few first team stars make the trip out to Kazakhstan.
Temperatures could be reaching as low as -11 degrees when the two sides kick-off, as well as having a five-hour time difference to contend with.
Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, celebrates following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Chelsea FC a...
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Enzo Maresca could hand out eight Chelsea debuts vs Astana
The likes of Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia have not been named in the squad for the competition so far, however it can be expected a whole host of first team stars end up being given the midweek game off.
Because of this, an opportunity has cropped up for a number of the youngsters at the club to be handed their chance to show what they can do to Maresca.
The competition has already allowed for a first start for the club for Tyrique George. Chelsea fans were really impressed by George against Noah.
According to the Mail Online, Chelsea have topped up their ‘B list’ with players who have never featured for the club before in preparation for the trip to Kazakhstan.
Which Chelsea players could make their debut vs Astana?
As well as George, Josh Acheampong and Samuel Rak-Sakyi who have already made their debuts, a whole host of youngsters have their chance now in unprecedented circumstances.
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Kiano Dyer was expected to get minutes in the Conference League before the competition started, and he is certainly one of the favourites to start on Thursday.
Other players who could debut are Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ato Ampah, Max Merrick, Richard Olise, Kaiden Wilson, Harrison McMahon, and the promising striker Shumaira Mheuka.
Tosin Adarabioyo has stated he is already a big fan of Mheuka, with the 17-year-old already being named in the matchday squad in the competition before.
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