Maresca confirmed that young full-back Josh Acheampong will be among the academy graduates involved and is expected to start, bringing to an end his near-three-month exile over a contract dispute. Chelsea have confirmed a young squad has made the long journey as Maresca’s rotation policy continues.

This is a Chelsea predicted lineup for their Europa Conference League tie away to Astana. This match will kick off at the unusual time of 15:30 UK time, on December 12 and features a lengthy flight that’s sure to see most of the senior players left in England.