Forget Blue Christmas - It's A Blue New Year! Chelski Are Coming To Derby!!
Monday, 9th Dec 2013 07:19 by Daniel J Sewart

With many predicting the Rams are ready to make a push for promotion - in January, the squad will measure up against top flight opposition after the FA Cup 3rd Round draw produced a home tie against Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho’s and his millionaire men will take on the Rams at the iPro Stadium some time during the first weekend in January on either the 4th or 5th.

It has been a long time between drinks for the Rams who won the FA Cup once, way back in 1946, as well as being runners up 3 times, way, way back in 1898, 99 & 1903.

Chelsea has won the FA Cup 7 times in their history and considering they sit 3rd on the Premier League table, Derby will face a stern test if they are to progress to the 4th round.

Speaking to the official site — Derby Head Coach Steve McClaren was excited yet realistic about the likes of Lampard, Cole, Torres, Mata and Hazard coming to town:

"It’s a great draw for the club for a number of reasons. “It’s at home, we’re up against a big opponent and that will mean a big test for the players. They will want to test themselves against one of the best teams in the country and Europe so I think it’s great for them.”

“It’s exciting for the fans too and I’m sure a great crowd will be at the iPro Stadium for it as well as it should be a cracking FA Cup tie. It’s a big challenge for us but one we should relish.”

“There’s a long way to go until we play the game so we have to focus on the Christmas period and our league form before we even start thinking about Chelsea.”

Very true Mr. McClaren, it’s an old clichÃ© but for once it is an old clichÃ© that is very true, we must focus on the League. Sitting fourth and fast making ground on the automatic promotion places, Derby can ill afford any distractions from the task at hand.

In saying that, it will be a tie that players and fans can enjoy as we take on one of the most highly regarded teams in the world.

Most will think we don’t have a snowflakes chance in hell but as the Rams only have trouble with teams who park the bus in front of goal at home, and I doubt Jose will be employing that tactic, Chelsea may get a rude shock if Derby go for the throat and produce the best of what we have seen this season.

One thing is for sure, after the fighting spirit we have displayed over the last couple of months, Steve and his team are unlikely to die wondering!