Samuel Rak-Sakyi to Debut as Chelsea Names Strong Young Squad for Astana Clash
Chelsea is set to field a youthful and exciting side for their UEFA Conference League fixture against Astana, with winger Samuel Rak-Sakyi making his anticipated full debut for the club. Manager Enzo Maresca has rung the changes, bringing in ten new faces compared to the previous weekend’s victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
Rak-Sakyi, who has showcased his potential coming off the bench in Chelsea’s last two European outings, will start in the freezing temperatures of Kazakhstan. He is joined by fellow Academy prospects, Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George, who both gained valuable first-team experience earlier this season.
Filip Jorgensen takes his place in goal, while Acheampong is expected to partner captain Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Renato Veiga in the backline. The midfield will see Rak-Sakyi starting alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with Carney Chukwuemeka given a more advanced role. Pedro Neto, the only returning player from Sunday’s triumph over Spurs, and George will likely occupy the wing positions, supporting Marc Guiu upfront.
The bench boasts an impressive array of young talent, with only Harvey Vale having prior senior experience for Chelsea. This youthful squad signifies the club’s strong belief in its academy system and its commitment to developing exciting young players.
Chelsea Lineup: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Disasi (c), Tosin, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Rak-Sakyi, Pedro Neto, Chukwuemeka, George, Guiu
Substitutes: Bergstrom, Merrick, Murray-Campbell, Olise, Wilson, Dyer, Vale, Ampah, Mhueka
To learn more about the talented youngsters included in today’s Chelsea squad, click here.