The development squad will be looking to end the season on a high against the sixth-placed side.

It has been a significant improvement from our young Blues this season in comparison to last season which saw us escape relegation on the last day.

Reflection

Mark Robinson in his first season as head coach of the development squad reflected on what he called a positive season with room for improvement.

'Everyone is obviously really disappointed with recent results but we cannot let it detract from the individual and collective progression this season. The recent performances have not been bad, we have just lacked that little bit of positive reinforcement and demands that the players had learned to impact each other with.'

Robinson's men have seen their title hopes dashed in recent weeks after a run of three losses on the bounce. Nevertheless, the head coach wants to see his side perform excellently in this final game for this season.

'Going into this last game we just want to see some intrinsic motivation to recreate some of the brilliant performances they have put in this season. Yes, the title slipped away but there always has to be a personal and collective motivation to perform in a Chelsea shirt.'

Call to fans

With tonight being a home game, Robinson has called on supporters to come down to Kingsmeadow if they can, to provide the boys with a good send-off.

'It would be good if there is a good crowd to support the players. We have had some decent-sized crowds this season and the players always engage with them after games.'

He added that, 'I would like to think on most occasions they have been thoroughly entertained and it would be great to see the crowds and atmosphere increase in the future so we can further build that bond between our supporters and our young players.'

PL2 permutations

Our development squad lie in second place currently and their best chance of finishing in that position is with victory.

Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Fulham all still have the chance to go above us in the league so a win today will give us the best chance at remaining where we are now.

Reverse fixture

The young Seagulls were a difficult test in our last game against them as that match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Two goals in the space of two minutes from Mason Burstow and Omari Hutchinson respectively put us on course for victory.

With the pressure increasing from Brighton as the second period wore on they responded with two goals of their own, the second of those coming a minute before the final whistle.

Academy news

In other news, Ato Ampah has signed his first professional contract with the club which takes him to the summer of 2025.