As Chelsea prepares for its EFL Cup match this week, manager Enzo Maresca will almost certainly make some big alterations to his starting lineup. Chelsea is keen to get better after losing the season’s finale to Barrow at Stamford Bridge last night.
Maresca has mainly stuck to a starting lineup this season, with multiple players appearing in each of the team’s first five Premier League games. But with a busy schedule spread across several competitions, squad rotation will be essential, which makes this game a great chance to showcase a few young players with promise.
Josh Acheampong is a standout prospect who ought to be given a chance to start. Due to an injury issue at right-back, the 18-year-old has been practicing with the starting squad. Malo Gusto and Reece James were both left off the squad for the most recent game against West Ham, and Maresca has voiced doubts regarding James’s ability to return.
Starting Acheampong in this game would show that the management believes in the young player, since he has shown admiration for the player. A strong showing with seasoned colleagues might give Maresca the proof he needs to take Acheampong into consideration for upcoming Premier League games.
Romeo Lavia and Gusto have been seen returning to the training field together, suggesting that the team is progressively getting over its injury problems. If Acheampong is prepared to compete at this level, he may be a great asset for the team ahead of him in the Conference League, where successful squad management is also an expectation.
