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Match Previews

Preview: Chelsea under-21s

26 October 2021

Match Previews

Preview: Chelsea under-21s

26 October 2021

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The under-21s side from current European champions Chelsea visit the Jonny-Rocks Stadium on Tuesday night in the Papa John's Trophy (kick-off: 7pm).

It's Cheltenham Town's final Southern Section Group E fixture against the young talents from Stamford Bridge.

For the fans heading to the game it's once again another good opportunity to watch some of the talented youngsters aiming to forge their way into one of the best performing sides on the planet, much like many of the young stars who have featured for Premier League sides in the past upon their visits to Gloucestershire.

The Autovillage Stand, Paddock and Colin Farmer Stand will be open for home supporters this evening. Please use the turnstiles on the corner of Whaddon Road and Wymans Road to gain access to the Colin Farmer Stand.

Please arrive early if you are collecting tickets to leave plenty of time ahead of kick-off.

Kick-off is at 7pm and tickets are available to buy online and in person on the night from the ticket office.

Team news

Michael Duff is planning to make a number of changes to the team that started in Saturday's 3-2 loss at Doncaster Rovers.

A number of young players are expected to be involved, while it will also give fringe players in his team the opportunity to get competitive game time and make a push for a starting place in the club's League One side for matchdays.

Opposition

Led by former Chelsea and Bradford City defender Andy Myers as under-21s manager, Chelsea's youngsters are members of the Premier League 2 Division One set-up.

Already in the competition this season they've defeated Exeter City on penalty kicks after a draw in their first group game, while last time out they won 2-1 away at Bristol Rovers. They are two results that have already confirmed their progress in the group.

Lewis Baker was amongst their squad when they won last time in the competition at Rovers. The 26-year-old has 17 caps for the England under-21s and has enjoyed a career that's taken in spells on loan at Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Vitesse, Fortuna Düsseldorf and Turkish top tier side Trabzonspor last season.

Others in their side include 21-year-old midfielder George McEachran, the younger brother of ex-Chelsea and now MK Dons midfielder Josh, former Barcelona youngster Xavier Mbuyamba and Norway youth international forward Bryan Fiabema.

Elsewhere in the group

In the final round of matches it's a shootout between the Papa John's Trophy Southern Section Group E's League Two teams to see who will join Chelsea under-21s in the knockout stage of the competition.

Bristol Rovers and Exeter City face off against one another at St James Park with the winners of that tie heading through.

Tickets

Tickets purchased before 2pm are available at the advanced price. Tickets that are bought beyond this time or in person on the night increase by £1 from the original prices of £5 for adults, £3 for seniors and £1 for under-18s.

All pre-paid tickets must be collected from the ticket collection point portakabin in the main car park.

Match programme

The front cover star and main interview for Tuesday's programme is with academy product Grant Horton.

The defender discusses his second season as a professional and being a part of the first team squad in League One.

The programme is available to buy around the stadium for £2 and is also on sale online.

Coverage

Watch live: The game is available to watch on iFollow. Purchase a match pass for £10 and subscribe online.

Social media: Follow @CTFCofficial on Twitter for team news and updates, CTFC on Facebook for score updates and @CTFCofficial on Instagram.

Website: Read the match report post-match and see reaction to the result from inside the camp.

Radio: Tune in to live commentary on BBC Radio Gloucestershire and on iFollow.

Highlights: Watch extended highlights on iFollow and YouTube.


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