Chelsea draw Doncaster Rovers in the FA Youth Cup

Chelsea have done very well in the FA Youth Cup in the last several seasons. After winning the tournament in 2010, they reached the semi-final stage in 2011. This year should again see a deep run, as the youth ranks are currently brimming with quality U18 talent (many of whom are playing regularly at the reserve level). I'd expect to see players like Islam Feruz, Lucas Piazon, Nathniel Chalobah, Bertrand Traore, Nathan Ake, and Alex Kiwomya playing regularly, something that would probably make the Chelsea side amongst the youngest in the tournament. It will be a first look at Traore for most, and he'll be one to watch as he just made his full international debut for Burkina Faso as they sealed qualification for the ACoN (he just turned 16!!!).

While the date for the game has not yet been set, all third round ties need to be completed by December 18th. The game will be played at Staines Town FC, and I'd fully expect the game to be available on Chelsea TV. I'm actually a lot more excited for this tournament than I am for the Carling Cup, seeing Piazon make his debut is something I know many of us have been eagerly anticipating for quite a while. I'll make sure to update everyone when the specifics are announced, so stay tuned.