Chelsea's academy is currently the most successful in England, winning back-to-back UEFA Youth League titles and FA Youth Cups, but progression to the first team has proved notoriously difficult for the Blues' prodigious starlets.

Indeed, Chelsea haven't been privy to a truly successful academy product since ageing skipper John Terry, who made his senior debut for the west London club in a different millennium.

But the Stamford Bridge outfit will be in League Cup action tonight and the tournament, often seen as the FA Cup's less attractive sister, is usually a youngster's best chance of getting some first team experience under his belt.

With that in mind and the kickoff at the London Stadium just a matter of hours away, we have been running the rule over three Chelsea youngsters Antonio Conte should issue a starting berth for the EFL Cup visit to West Ham.

Agree with our picks, Chelsea fans? Let us know in the comments section below...

Ola Aina

Antonio Conte is clearly a big fan of Ola Aina, who he started in the 3-2 League Cup victory over Bristol City and brought on during Chelsea's 3-0 romping of Leicester in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old replaced Victor Moses at right wing-back and seems like a solid fit for that role; defensively assured, naturally athletic and blessed with the youthful energy required to marshal an entire flank single-handed.

Admittedly, Aina's experience at senior level is minimal, but he has represented England a staggering 37 times at youth level.

Dominic Solanke

Many would argue finding game time for summer signing Michy Batshuayi should be Antonio Conte's priority this evening, having only utilised the Belgium international from the bench in league action so far this season.

But we'd like to see the highly-rated Dominic Solanke get another chance to impress after featuring sparingly under Jose Mourinho and notching up seven Eredivisie goals on loan at Vitesse Arnhem last season.

Still very much a developing talent at the age of 19, however, perhaps a cameo appearance from the bench would be more realistic for the England U21.

Nathaniel Chalobah

After a good few years in the wilderness, Nathaniel Chalobah has finally broken into a Chelsea manager's first team plans - albeit limited to just four substitute appearances thus far.

The 21-year-old has made every minute count, grabbing an assist against Leicester and looking solid against Manchester United, and thoroughly deserves the chance to make his first ever start for the west London outfit.

If Conte selects an experienced midfield partner, with Nemanja Matic being the obvious candidate, the England U21 star should put in a decent performance against the Hammers.