Last term, the Blues bowed out of the prestigious academy competition against Millwall at the quarter-final stage, when Sulaiman's side were held to a 1-1 draw before being beaten 4-2 on penalties at The Den.

There is a determination within the Academy to start strongly this season and an ambition to bring the trophy back to Cobham. We have a rich history in the FA Youth Cup, having won the competition nine times in total, including five consecutive victories from 2014 to 2018. That year was the last the club lifted the trophy.

This evening’s match mirrors last season’s opener, when Chelsea secured a 3-1 victory at Leicester's training ground. Donnell McNeilly gave the Blues an early lead that day before substitutes Michael Golding and Shumaira Mheuka added to the scoreline.

Sulaiman's team is in good form heading into tonight's fixture, unbeaten in our last four games, the most recent of which was a 3-3 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, in which three different players got on the scoresheet.

While there has been a slight pause since that London derby, focused training sessions have been undertaken at Cobham to ensure the team is ready for tonight’s challenge.

'We're feeling very excited about the fixture and the opportunity to play in the competition,' Sulaiman said. 'It’s always a special competition and we know how much it means to the Academy. Chelsea has a strong history in the FA Youth Cup and we’re eager to build on that legacy.'

Last season was Sulaiman's first leading the Under-18s in the competition. His role as head coach was confirmed in March 2023 and during his first FA Youth Cup run the Blues secured victories against Leicester, Everton and Crystal Palace.

'While it was a valuable learning experience, it taught me a lot about managing players effectively,' said our Under-18s boss. 'It’s not just about the players on the pitch, but about managing the entire squad.

'One of the challenges was addressing the disappointment felt by those who didn’t get the chance to play. Everyone wants to participate in this competition, as it’s one of the most talked about for academy players. As the intensity and pressure of the games increase, decision-making becomes even more crucial.

'You have to be confident in your decisions during those high-pressure moments. For example, in our first game against Leicester, we made two substitutions - bringing on Shumaira and Michael - and both made a significant impact. Their contributions helped us secure the win and progress to the next round.

'Another memorable moment was against Everton, when we went down to 10 men early in the game. Despite the setback, the team fought hard and showed great character to come out on top. Game plans are essential, but they don’t always unfold as expected. In those moments, it’s crucial to trust your instincts, make decisive calls and back those decisions with confidence.'

Each season, the Under-18s benefit from the support of the entire Academy, be that players or staff members. The values 'many teams, one club' and 'proud to be Chelsea' resonate strongly throughout the Academy and the rest of Cobham.

Sulaiman concluded: 'One of the most special aspects of the Chelsea Academy is the sense of togetherness, it truly feels like a family. I’ve been at Chelsea since 2008 and I’ve built close relationships with not only the coaching staff but everyone involved in the Academy.

'The support we receive is incredible and it means a lot to have the backing of everyone as we prepare for this year’s competition. It will be great to see the staff come up to Leicester and wish us luck. We’re ready to embrace the challenges ahead and hope to make everyone proud this season.'

Watch our FA Youth Cup fixture

Chelsea supporters worldwide can watch the opening FA Youth Cup fixture against Leicester City tonight at 7pm. The match will be streamed live for free on the official Chelsea app and website. To access the live stream, head to the Leicester City vs Chelsea Under-18s Match Centre.