Derby day is here. How are the nerves as we all head towards Stamford Bridge? It seems a little strange this year after so many fruitless trips to the blue half of the borough to be going on the back of that brilliant Boxing Day, but the Whites will have to earn the right to play once again. The players and the coaching staff have said all the right things in the build up, with both Harry Wilson – who seems to be fit to play – and Marco Silva underlining just how important this fixture is, but the boys have to do their talking on the pitch.

That will undoubtedly be trickier this term as Chelsea have clearly improved since last season. Their triumph in the first expanded Club World Cup hinted at the potential of Enzo Maresca, much-maligned amongst the Chelsea fanbase since he arrived at the start of last season, and another summer spending spree has only given the former Leicester City manager more options. The comparison between the Blues’ busy recruitment and what Silva has suffered through this summer is striking.

The Blues have started their season with two contrasting London derbies. Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace completely shutdown the home side at Stamford Bridge to earn a creditable point, but Chelsea completely blew away a woeful West Ham United in a dominant display last Friday night. Fulham won’t want this game to be as open as the one at the London Stadium and Silva will need to chose between the 3-4-3/5-4-1 system that he employed to great effect last season or his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. Charlie opted for the former in his terrific tactical breakdown, whilst Dan’s preview finished with a line-up in the latter. It will be another intriguing and nervy watch.

To get us all in the mood for the resumption of hostilities against our near neighbours, it is well worth casting our minds back to last Christmas. Chelsea were flying high, even if Maresca was downplaying talk of a title challenge and took the lead through Cole Palmer – who is likely to be absent this afternoon – before Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz wrote a new chapter into Fulham folklore. The scenes were something else.

Here’s hoping for something just as special at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

PRE-MATCH READING

• Have a look at Dan’s preview.
• Silva’s overnight quotes suggest that recruitment is out of his hands and praising captain Tom Cairney.
• CJ’s brilliant breakdown of the derby is well worth a read.
• Shahid Khan has given a curious interview to The Observer.

PRE-MATCH LISTENING

We’ve got two terrific podcasts for you. Listen to Peter Rutzler from the Times preview the game with insight from both camps before Jack Kelly, CJ and Dan discuss whether the Whites can spring another surprise.

DON’T FORGET

To sing loud and proud if you’re lucky enough to have a ticket at the Bridge. If not, you can watch the action live on TNT Sports or listen on Talksport.

COYW!