Chelsea are heavy favourites to beat Pafos at Stamford Bridge and give themselves a chance at securing a top eight finish in the Champions League.
Liam Rosenior will be hoping to set up a showdown group stage tie with Antonio Conte’s Napoli next week, but is likely to rotate his squad against the Cypriot side.
16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli has trained with the first team ahead of the game, and has a chance of being involved in proceedings for the first time at Stamford Bridge.
Which changes would YOU make to face Pafos? 🖋️
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Nicoll-Jazuli is Chelsea’s youngest goalscorer in the UEFA Youth League. The midfielder starred on the same day that Estevao Willian helped tear apart Ajax in the Champions League.
Chelsea FC v AFC Ajax - UEFA Youth League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Cole Palmer is already a big fan of Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli
Enzo Fernandez looks set to be rested against Pafos due to illness, and any chance to rotate Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer should be taken by the club.
The England international has not enjoyed this season with his multiple fitness woes, but has already given his seal of approval on Nicoll-Jazuli in the past.
Back in September, Palmer described the youngster as a ‘baller’ on his Instagram page, when he was just 15 years of age and already getting his name well-known around Cobham.
The Blues have already handed out opportunities for youngsters in the competition. Reggie Walsh is one who has minutes under his belt in the Champions League.
Chelsea v Brentford - Premier League
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Nicoll-Jazuli tipped for very big things
Very few have the potential of Nicoll-Jazuli though, and in an attempt to convince him he has a pathway at the club the opportunity should be taken against Pafos.
The midfielder has starred above his age group for England, following in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham who did this before him.
Chelsea have been told Nicoll-Jazuli has a higher ceiling than Max Dowman, who is making great strides with Arsenal in his first campaign with the first team.
It remains to be seen if Rosenior hands him his debut tonight, but the fact he is in contention shows just how highly rated the teenager is at the club.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox