Chelsea’s development team host Oxford United on Tuesday evening in the quarter-finals of the Checkatrade Trophy. Here is all you need to know.
You probably haven’t been paying attention to the Checkatrade Trophy/EFL Trophy. Frankly, neither have we. However, Chelsea’s development squad have managed to creep their way to the quarter-finals. They take on Oxford United’s senior team on Tuesday evening in what should be a stern test for the youngsters.
Details
Chelsea Development Squad v Oxford United, Checkatrade Trophy quarter-final
KO: 7.30pm GMT
Venue: Stamford Bridge
How Chelsea got here
This is one confusing competition. The Blues were drawn into Group D of the Southern Section. Yeovil Town, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City were the other teams in the group. Chelsea beat Exeter 3-1 while drawing with Plymouth and Yeovil 2-2 and 1-1 respectively.
Draws went straight to a penalty shoot-out where there was an extra point available for the victor. The Blues lost both their shoot-outs but the five points were enough to qualify in second place.
Chelsea then beat MK Dons 4-0 in the first knock-out round before a 2-1 victory over Portsmouth in the last 16.
Oxford United, meanwhile, qualified in second place. They beat Gillingham 2-1 and then defeated Charlton Athletic on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
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Who’s been playing?
All of the Chelsea youngsters you’ve heard of have been taking part in this competition. Dujon Sterling, Ethan Ampadu, Charly Musonda and Callum Hudson-Odoi have featured prominently in the knock-out stages.
Moreover, players like Kenedy and Michy Batshuayi have also played. However, with the former seemingly on his way to Newcastle and the latter finally finding his voice in the senior team, the spotlight will be solely on the developing talent.
Musonda came up trumps in the last round against Portsmouth. Having given Chelsea the lead in the 58th minute, the Blues conceded in the 92nd minute. However, the Belgian converted a free kick three minutes later to send Chelsea into the quarter-finals.
Against MK Dons, Musonda was also on the scoresheet. Hudson-Odoi got one and Batshuayi grabbed a brace.
With Chelsea being the only development team still left in the competition, this is a great opportunity for the club. At this stage, the lower league teams will start to field stronger starting elevens as they inch closer to a day out at Wembley and potential silverware.
Hence, Chelsea’s brightest young talents will be able to test themselves in a competitive environment against tough senior opposition. It’s different to their normal fare in PL2 and certainly something they will appreciate.
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If you fancy a night out at Stamford Bridge, tickets are on sale until 4pm on Tuesday. They cost £5 for adults and £3 for juniors and other concessions! Get more information here.