STEPHAN Negru says Oxford United will not be underestimating Chelsea’s talented youngsters when the teams meet in the EFL Trophy tonight.
The group clash with the Blues’ Under-21s side is the final one at this stage of the competition for both teams.
The sides know a win will take them through alongside MK Dons, who have already qualified for the knockout stages.
U’s centre back Negru was restored to the starting line-up for the 2-0 win at home to Maidenhead United in the Emirates FA Cup first round on Saturday.
It was a first appearance for the 21-year-old since the defeat at home to MK Dons in the EFL Trophy on September 19.
Negru told the United club website: “We take each game as it comes and we’re not looking down on them thinking ‘they’re just young kids’.
“Every game is the same, we go out there to win and give our all.”
The U’s began their EFL Trophy campaign with a come from behind 3-1 win at Northampton Town, as Mark Harris netted either side of a Kyle Edwards strike.
A fortnight later, a Jack Payne penalty proved enough for Dons to beat United at the Kassam Stadium.
Chelsea lost 4-1 at MK Dons, prior to a penalty shootout victory at Northampton which earned them a bonus point.
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