The international break is in full swing, with Chelsea stars back in action tonight as the Nations League gets underway for several nations.
After our preview yesterday, Pedro Neto featured in the win, while Jorrel Hato remained on the bench. So, which Chelsea players are in action this evening?
Mike Penders and Romeo Lavia - Belgium vs Italy - 7:45pm
Romeo Lavia has an opportunity to feature against Italy, with Belgium’s midfield looking light on defensive quality. Can the World Cup quarter-finalists overcome a side that failed to make it to the last eight?
It is a new-look Belgium under Mark van Bommel, with three new goalkeepers in the squad. Penders is not expected to be the No. 1, with that role likely to go to Manchester United’s Senne Lammens. Penders’ lack of regular action appears to have cost him the opportunity to start.
Maxence Lacroix - France vs Turkey - 7:45pm
The player most likely to feature on Friday evening is Lacroix, who is set to play a key role as Zinedine Zidane begins his tenure away in Turkey. He is expected to partner Dayot Upamecano in central defence, with William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté absent.
France, renowned for their wealth of attacking talent, will also be encouraged by the former Crystal Palace defender’s performances in a Chelsea shirt this season. Lacroix has been one of the more consistent performers in their defensive ranks, and his form could prove important as Zidane begins his reign.
Jamie Gittens and Josh Acheampong - England U21s vs Kazakhstan - 7:45pm
Chelsea eyes will be on Jamie Gittens to see whether he can translate the quality he showed in Germany to the England Under-21s and, ultimately, the Chelsea first team. So far, he has yet to reproduce the same level of stardom he displayed in Germany, but regular game time could be exactly what he needs to rediscover his confidence and form.
For Josh Acheampong, the quality is already evident. He has shown enough to justify his inclusion, and seeing him represent England will be another positive step in his development.
Geovanny Quenda - Portugal U21s vs Bulgaria - 7:45pm
Quenda has found himself in and out of the Chelsea team, so seeing him get valuable minutes for Portugal Under-21s will be encouraging. He has the quality, and regular game time could give him the opportunity to build confidence and show exactly what he can offer.
Add us as a preferred source on Google