Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has handed starts to two young Ghanaian talents, Samuel Rak-Sakyi and Josh Acheampong, in their UEFA Europa Conference League encounter against Astana. The game, set to kick off at 3:30 pm GMT at the Ortalyq Stadium in Kazakhstan, marks a significant opportunity for the duo to showcase their abilities on the European stage.

Rak-Sakyi, 19, will operate in midfield, while the 18-year-old Acheampong takes up a spot in defense. Both players, who have represented England at youth level, remain eligible to play for Ghana at the senior international level. On the bench, another Ghanaian prospect, Ato Ampah, could make an appearance, adding to the intrigue surrounding Ghana’s influence on Chelsea’s youthful squad.

Chelsea’s preparations include addressing a prolonged contract deadlock with Acheampong, with Maresca hinting at positive developments during his pre-match press conference. Meanwhile, midfielder Cesare Casadei is unavailable, serving a suspension after his red card against Heidenheim in the last group fixture.

The Blues’ lineup blends youthful energy with experienced names like Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo, as they look to secure a crucial victory in their group-stage campaign.

Starting XI:
Jorgensen; Acheampong, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga; Rak-Sakyi, Dewsbury-Hall, Chukwuemeka; Neto, Guiu, George

Subs:
Bergstrom, Merrick, Dyer, Vale, Olise, Ampah, Murray-Campbell, Wilson, Mheuka