U21s Preview: Leicester City vs. Chelsea

Steve Beaglehole’s Development Squad head into the clash with Chelsea on Thursday knowing a win could secure their spot in next season’s Barclays U21 Premier League top tier. 

The Foxes conclude their 2015/16 campaign against a London outfit that narrowly beat them 2-1 at Aldershot Town back in March. 

Winger Joe Dodoo opened the scoring for City in that match, but goals from Jake Clarke-Salter and Reece Mitchell turned the game on its head to earn Chelsea all three points. 

City have recorded impressive home victories over Manchester City and Southampton this year and will be looking to perform at the highest level when a talented Chelsea side comes to King Power Stadium on Thursday. 

Development Squad manager Steve Beaglehole said ahead of Thursday’s fixture: “It’s a massive game for us. If we beat Chelsea, we stay in the top tier and if we draw or lose, we drop out. That for me emphasises how important the game is. 

“If you look at what the first team have achieved this year – winning the Premier League – it shows you what fantastic progress they’ve made, and we want our young players to be playing against the best players in the country also. 

“Teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are the sort of sides we want to be playing, so our players must stay focused and preparations are well underway. 

“Chelsea have had phenomenal success this season, winning the FA Youth Cup and the U19 UEFA Youth League, so it just shows the strength of their footballing set up.” 

TICKETS 

If you’re a Season Ticket Holder, you can come and watch the Club’s young stars for FREE by simply claiming your ticket from the City Fanstore at King Power Stadium on Thursday morning. 

Season Ticket holders must present their Season Card to claim their free ticket.

Non-Season Ticket Holders can also attend, with Adults costing £3 and Concessions costing £1. 

Parking for the fixture will be situated on King Power Stadium and is completely free. 

Please note, all tickets must be collected from the City Fanstore at King Power Stadium on the morning of the game.