Tonight after a very long wait since the Semi Final victory over Blackburn Rovers the Chelsea youth team finally take to the pitch for the first leg of the FA Youth Cup semi Final. The cup run has definately been very special. First we came up against Charlton Athletic a game which we dominated but couldn’t put to bed and which we conceeded the only goal we have conceeded in the run. Next up was Nottingham Forest and this game was completely different and our dominance told with a 4 – 0 victory. After the big win over Forest we had a frustrating game against Portsmouth in which we only won 1 – 0 but it was amazing that we didn’t score a lot more. Next up was another big 4 – 0 win, this time against Watford. Watford couldn’t cope with a Chelsea team that had grown together and was working as a strong unit and playing wonderful football. Then came the tough Semi Final against Blackburn, even though again we had the dominance during the game we could only manage a 1 – 0 win to make the second leg in our hands but tight, however come the second leg at the bridge there was no problems and the best display of the run saw us score another 4 goals and progress into the final.

The team has changed very little through the cup run and barring injuries we should see the following team, missing Kaby due to suspention:

………………………………………Walker……………………………………..
B.Clifford…………..Bruma…………………Pappoe……..Deen-Conteh
………………….C.Clifford………………………..Sala……………………….
……………………………………McEachran…………………………………..
….Lalkovic……………………….Mitrovic…………………………..Tore…..

Although i am not 100% sure if Kaby is available or not, if he is then the team selection will be interesting, on past form i would imagine that Lalkovic would drop to the bench.

This team is very very strong indeed, the back four are supberb and it will take a lot to break them down especially with the experience of Bruma there which is invaluable, playing first team, Reserve team and youth team Bruma is definately working hard for Chelsea this season. Aziz Deen-Conteh has been someone that has stuck out this season, one who has really made a name for himself and looks to be another quality left back. The midfield will be slightly different in the absense of Kaby, Jacopo Sala more than capable of doing a very good job in there and at times has looked more comfortable in the middle of the park. Connor Clifford is a midfield engine and will work his backside off for the 90 minutes. Josh McEachran has grown through the competition and has become an invaluable player, playing behind the forwards he will be pulling the strings, incredibaly hard to shake of the ball his quick feet are great, we need a big game from Josh tonight. The forward line is enough to worry any defence. Lalkovic’s speed and skill can have defenders tied in knots, Marko Mitrovic has worked very hard to perfect the lone striker role and will hold the ball up and be a big threat from many positions to score. And finally the human speedy tank that is Gokhan Tore will be the one that Villa will have earmarked to watch very closely indeed. Again a big game from Gokhan can make the difference.

The unusual 2 legged final means that tonight we are woking to get ourselves in a good position to bring them back to the bridge and close the tie. To come back with a lead would be incredible and it isw more than possible. Reports on the Villa team are that they are hard working and will work for the 90 minutes to make things very hard for us. Like us they have quick wingers but hopefully we can have them more occupied by chasing back to stop our wingers from playing. The football that has been played by this team has been exceptional and i hope they get what they deserve and do go on to win the final and lift the trophy. Once again i think that if we McEachrean and Tore on top of their game then it will be very hard to Villa to stop us.

So many things to look forward to and for me just watching this group of lads play is exciting. I am confident going into the game and i hope that my prediction of a 2 – 0 victory at Villa park will come true and a comfortable return leg can be played out at the bridge.