Chelsea’s youngsters set to feature in Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest
By Vishnu Raj
Chelsea start their Carabao Cup campaign on Wednesday against Nottingham Forest. Some young players will start their season, and their long road to Antonio Conte’s Premier League lineup.
With matches coming thick and fast, Chelsea face Championship side Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Antonio will be eager to rest many of the squad who have featured extensively so far the season. This will give an opportunity for the squad and academy players to take the pitch for Chelsea.
Antonio Conte already announced Eden Hazard would start for the Blues on Wednesday. Willy Caballero could make his debut, as well. Youngsters who had only made to the bench so far have a chance to be in the starting XI. Among them, Charly Musonda and Kenedy are already a part of the first team squad. Kyle Scott and Jake Clarke-Salter were added to the first team squad last week.
Some of Chelsea’s development team regulars were missing from the squad that played on Monday night against Manchester United. Musonda, Jake Clarke-Salter and Ethan Ampadu took part in Monday’s first team squad training. Dujon Sterling was also missing from the Premier League 2 side.
Musonda is likely to start in what could be an all-Belgium front three alongside Eden Hazard and Michy Batshuayi. Kenedy may start instead of Marcos Alonso, who has played every minute for Chelsea so far this season. Clarke-Salter, Scott and Ampadu also have a chance to come off the bench in the second half.
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Academy graduates playing for the first team is always a joy for Chelsea fans. But the fans will know not to read too much from it. The best fans can hope for is the players making a sufficient impression against Nottingham Forest that Antonio Conte will bring them on before the final minutes against stiffer opposition.