CHELSEA’S under-23 development squad will face Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City at Aldershot Town’s EBB Stadium this season as the new Premier League 2 is launched.

The young Blues begin their campaign with a home game against Liverpool on Monday, August 22 and will host Manchester United on Friday, December 9, while City are in town on Friday, February 17.

Chelsea also welcome Derby, Reading, Sunderland and Everton U23s to the EBB Stadium during the course of the season.

Replacing the Barclays U21 Premier League, the Premier League 2 is for players under the age of 23 (born on or after January 1, 1993), with up to three over-age outfield players and one over-age goalkeeper permitted in a matchday squad. Premier League 2 will be split into two 12-club tiers, with each team playing each other home and away.

Chelsea are also once again competing in the Premier League International Cup, featuring 12 English clubs alongside 12 of Europe’s best academies, and face GNK Dinamo Zagreb on Friday, December 16, before Swansea City arrive at the EBB Stadium on Thursday, December 22.

Managed by Adi Viveash, the Chelsea development squad has sent several players through to the first-team squad in recent times. The Blues’ Academy have won the UEFA Youth League in each of the last two seasons, as well as the FA Youth Cup in four of the last five years.

Chelsea fixtures confirmed for the EBB Stadium are:

Monday August 22, 7.05pm: Liverpool (Premier League 2)

Monday October 24, 7.05pm: Derby County (Premier League 2)

Friday December 9, 7.05pm: Manchester United (Premier League 2)

Friday December 16, 7.05pm: GNK Dinamo Zagreb (Premier League International Cup)

Thursday December 22, 7.05pm: Swansea City (Premier League International Cup)

Friday February 3, 7.05pm: Reading (Premier League 2)

Friday February 17, 7.05pm: Manchester City (Premier League 2)

Monday April 7, 7.05pm: Sunderland (Premier League 2)

Monday April 21, 7.05pm: Everton (Premier League 2)

Unless otherwise stated, admission to all Chelsea Academy games is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. Check the club’s website, or Facebook and Twitter pages, for updates before travelling.