Andy Myers's side are currently winless in three games and will be looking to secure a much-needed three points against our London rivals, in a game that can be watched live on our website or the 5th Stand app.

Tickets are also available for those wishing to attend in person priced at just £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, available online until 3pm today or later from the Kingsmeadow ticket office.

Despite the number of defeats in recent weeks, new signing Dylan Williams has settled in well, putting in some good performances in his short time so far. In the build-up to tonight's game, the young defender gave us an insight into his life so far at Chelsea and how important it is for the team to put in a performance which gets the result this evening.

First welcome

‘I was definitely a little nervous at first,' he admitted, 'but everyone is so down to earth and they have welcomed and made me fit right into the set-up.

'If I am honest, I did not really know what to expect coming to a big club like Chelsea so it's great to know that there are people who care so much about me on and off the pitch to ensure that I settle in as quickly as possible.’

The January signing from Derby County also spoke about the importance of Myers and Ed Brand, head coaches of the Under-23 and Under-18 teams respectively and how they have both made a conscious effort to support him and explain what they expect from him on the pitch.

‘I think Andy, Ed and all the coaching staff have been brilliant,' he continued. 'They want players who are ready to battle and put their bodies on the line for the team and I am more than ready for that.

'Looking more closely at the Under-23s, Andy has made it clear we need each other to ensure that we stay in PL2 and do not get relegated. I am ready for that battle and will work hard to help the team so that does not happen.’

Tottenham test

In reference to the Spurs game, Williams is assured in his assignments for that challenge.

‘As young players in the Academy, the expectation is of course to ensure we are developing and getting better, but I see no reason why we cannot win whilst doing that,' he stated.

'Spurs will be a tough game, but training has been good, we have been prepped on our roles in and out of possession and we are ready for the test.'

Happy to move to Chelsea

There was a lot of interest in the left-back, who had impressed during his time with the Rams, so much so that Derby boss Wayne Rooney gave him his professional debut during his time there. Williams makes it clear though that he believes Chelsea is the right move for him.

‘It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play for a club like Chelsea, proving myself against some of the very best young talent in the world,' he added.

'Every day I train with my new team-mates I build a greater chemistry with them, and it will help me have a big role in the team.’

When asked what Chelsea fans can expect from him, Williams is enthusiastic and eager to impress.

‘They can expect that I will work hard and give everything I can for the badge,' he answered. 'I am here and I want to play at the highest level that I possibly can. This means taking each game as it comes and giving a good account of myself on each showing.’

Last time out

Chelsea came up against the north London side in our first fixture of the PL2 season back in August and that ended in a 2-2 draw. We took a 2-0 lead thanks to a brace from Harvey Vale but were pegged back with goals either side of half-time.

The last time Spurs beat Chelsea in PL2 was in the 2017/18 season when a Chelsea side featuring now men's first team regulars Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi lost at Stamford Bridge 2-1. Keanan Bennetts, now playing for Borussia Monchengladbach, scored twice on the day for the Lilywhites.

Academy news

In other news, our Under 18s have been drawn away from home to play Stoke City in the Under-18 Premier League Cup semi-final, with the date pencilled in for Tuesday 15 March. Our PL2 game at home to Leeds United next month has also been moved to Stamford Bridge for a 1pm kick-off on Sunday 20 March.

Meanwhile, Ben Elliott has signed a new contract with the club until the summer of 2024. The attacking midfielder became a full-time scholar at the start of the 2019/20 season and turned professional that November. He has made 10 PL2 appearances this season, scoring once.

Don't forget to purchase your tickets for next week's FA Youth Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge, which sees our youngters take on Blackpool on Thursday 24 February at the earlier kick-off time of 6pm. Click here for more information!