MATCH PREVIEW: BOREHAM WOOD VS CHELSEA XI

After a tough clash against a youthful Brentford XI on Tuesday night, Ross Jenkins’ men made it 2 wins on the bounce for the first time this pre-season, putting the Wood in a favourable position come tomorrow afternoon’s clash against Chelsea. Having looked largely comfortable against the Bees on Tuesday, with star man Erico Sousa grabbing both goals, the Wood will now look to make it 3 games in a row unbeaten in front of a strong Wood support.

Our visitors from West London will be sure to bring an exciting and talented squad with them to the Mangata Pay UK Stadium as they have done before in years previously, with such stars as Champions League winners N’golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson Odoi as well as a host of the stars of the future.

Last season, Chelsea’s U21’s had a largely successful campaign finishing their season in the Premier League 2 in 4th position as well as reaching the semi-final stage of the Premier League Cup. The first team had a slightly different campaign, qualifying for Europe on the final day in 6th position, reached a Carabao Cup final and the semi-final of the FA Cup.

The man in the dugout for Chelsea XI will be newly appointed Filipe Coelho, head coach of Chelsea U21s since the beginning of July. Coelho is a widely respected coach, hailing from Portugal, Coelho caught the attention of the Blues after a successful title winning season with the U23 side from Estoril. Having began his coaching career with Benfica, he has worked his way up the footballing ladder and will face a stern test come tomorrow against the in-form Wood side.

ONES TO WATCH

Ronnie Stutter:
19-year old Stutter will likely be a chief concern for Ross Jenkin’s men come tomorrow evening. A pacey and direct forward is a regular nuisance for the Blues and was the out and out top goalscorer for the young Blues last campaign, notching 11 goals from 14 games, along with 2 assists. Stutter began his career at West Ham’s academy before joining Chelsea at the completion of his U14 season. The forward has also appeared at both U16 and U17 level for England, as well as captaining his country. Ross Jenkins’ men will be in with a handful, come tomorrow and will have to be at their brilliant best to prevent Stutter finding the mark.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEW