Blackpool Preview

It is over thirty years since Chelsea played Blackpool in the League. The 'old' Second Division in fact. Chelsea won at Blackpool 1-0. Yours truly was on the 'special' train which broke down. We arrived at the game just as the half-time whistle blew, 45 minutes later we were on our way back home with the points in the bag. Back at The Bridge for the return, the game finished 2-2.

In 1996 the two clubs met in the League Cup. Chelsea won the first leg at Bloomfield Road 4-1 whilst Blackpool almost caused a shock winning the 2nd leg at The Bridge 3-1, but Chelsea scraped through on aggregate to the next round.

Already, today's visit to Stamford Bridge will be Blackpool's 4th game on the road. Their last visit to London saw them slaugthered by Woolwich, but they have been impressive on their travels winning at Wigan on the opening day, and at Newcastle last weekend.

Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba should return today, both fresh as daisy's and raring. Super Frank as we know is out, still not recovered sufficiently from his hernia operation and our 'new' signing Michael Essien, will be looking to continue his goal-scoring spree.

What will Ian Holloway do to try and supress Chelsea's free-flowing football?

Knowing him he will use attack as the best form of defence.