Chelsea take on Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge in just under an hour and there’s a chance for Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George to impress once again.
The teams are out and as expected Enzo Maresca has made multiple changes from the win against Brentford with only Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke keeping their places in the starting line-up.
There’s not as many academy starters as there was last week in Kazakhstan, and Sam Rak-Sakyi has dropped to the bench, but there’s big opportunities for George and Acheampong.
George and Acheampong handed another chance to shine
It’s been quite the week for two of the brightest stars in Chelsea’s academy as the duo were both officially welcomed into the first team squad.
The teenagers both started in last week’s victory against Astana, and whilst Acheampong faired better than George the duo both impressed.
The pair have had to be patient in regards to opportunities and such is the quality in the Chelsea squad their main chance for minutes have come in the Conference League.
Josh Acheampong plays against Barrow. (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Acheampong looks sets for a big future at Chelsea after signing a new deal. (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Acheampong signed a new contract earlier this week and Maresca has insisted he wants the 18-year-old to stay with the group rather than go on loan.
Tonight represents another huge opportunity for the right back, who was on the bench against Brentford, and with Reece James’ persistent injury issues he’s currently the understudy to Malo Gusto.
With news of Mykhailo Mudyrk’s failed drugs test there’s a chance for George to showcase what he can do and prove to Maresca he deserves to feature on a more regular basis.
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Josh Acheampong plays against Barrow. (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
A generic interior view of Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart watch Chelsea in action.
It’s great to see Maresca putting his trust in academy talent and giving them first team opportunities as and when warranted, and it really feels like, especially with Acheampong that he can go on and have a very successful Chelsea career.
Opportunities like tonight could be few and far between for the time being and a chance for two of Chelsea’s own to play under the lights at Stamford is one they must make the most of.