Chelsea Under-18s head coach Hassan Sulaiman and his squad are looking forward to a big occasion at Stamford Bridge when we take on Manchester United in the Under-18 Premier League national final on Tuesday evening, which you can watch live on the Official Chelsea App.
Having secured the southern title with a 2-1 victory over Southampton at the Staplewood Training Ground earlier this month, Chelsea Under-18s' next challenge is an exciting final to decide the national champion.
We are set to host the northern title winners Manchester United on the big stage at Stamford Bridge. The clash will kick off at 7pm on Tuesday 14 May and tickets can still be purchased now.
For supporters who are unable to attend the game at the Bridge, the fixture will be streamed live on the Official Chelsea App.
Chelsea Under-18s have had an impressive and consistent season, winning 17 of our 24 league games played, while only losing four of those fixtures.
For many of the Blues, this will be their first time stepping out on the Stamford Bridge pitch, meaning plenty of reasons for Hassan Sulaiman and his team to be excited and ready to give their all in Tuesday’s match.
‘Stamford Bridge is always a great occasion,’ said Sulaiman. ‘There is a lot of excitement and a buzz surrounding the game. There will be all our friends and family there to support, which always adds to the atmosphere, and that will hopefully push the boys even further.
‘Some of the boys have been fortunate enough to play there already this season – whether that was for the Premier League International Cup with the Under-21s squad, or they have been called up to the first team.’
There have been several Chelsea Under-18s involved in the senior squad this season, with 18-year-old Josh Acheampong making his debut against Tottenham Hotspur at the start of this month.
Sulaiman continued: ‘It is going to be an exciting occasion, and I know the boys will be keen and eager to impress. But for us, the game plan will remain the same - we want to win the game.’
Our Under-18s head coach also discussed the importance of the young Blues containing their emotions to remain focused, despite the heightened feelings that will come during the build-up to the big day.
‘It is important to just focus on ourselves. The football we have seen throughout the season has been incredibly positive. I have been impressed with how the boys prepare for each game and how they carry the same calm mindset throughout.'
Tuesday’s opponents Manchester United are a strong side themselves, though, as they sealed the northern title back in April, having secured 20 wins out of the 24 fixtures played.
‘We go into this game knowing it will be a tough fixture, but the boys have done extremely well regulating their emotions and showing their mature mentality as they go into every game focused. We will approach this game with determination and positivity.’
It will also be a big occasion for the Under-18s boss himself and he is looking forward to sharing the experience with his coaching staff under the lights on Tuesday evening, when he will lead a team at Stamford Bridge for the first time.
‘On a personal note, this is like a dream. You want to be coaching at stadiums with the atmosphere around you and the players. To be on the sidelines and within the technical area, it’s a huge moment.
‘We know some of the greats that have been in that area, so to be able to be added onto the list is a great opportunity – I’m looking forward to it.’
Where to watch the live stream
You can watch our Under-18 Premier League national final tie against Manchester United live on the Official Chelsea App, complete with enhanced stats and event tracking from MVX, built by Infinite Athlete. It will be available globally and priced at £1.99.