Luton Town set to welcome Chelsea to Kenilworth Road under the lights

Growing up in a household where my Mum was Chelsea and my Dad was Luton, both tried all the tricks to get me onboard.

It is fair to say that my Dad easily, and almost immediately won that battle, but it means that I dream of a Luton vs Chelsea clash in every round of every cup competition possible.

Although last season was played behind closed doors, the build-up to the game and watching us play against the Blues was a highlight of the campaign.

Despite enjoying a good season up until that point, I had the optimism that every fan has when going into a football game, but I did not have that genuine belief that we could get past a side with world-class talent all over the pitch.

This time though, something feels different and what an FA Cup fifth round this could prove to be.

Our Bedfordshire home seemingly turns into an even bigger fortress during midweek games and that is exactly what it needs to be like when we welcome the European champions.

Not only will Kenilworth Road be hostile for the visit of the West London giants, but we have also shown excellent form in recent weeks and competition for places seems to be at an all-time high.

Nathan Jones’ drive to recruit athletic players who can win the physical battles against their respective opponents is a key theme of this season, and that is something that could make things difficult for our Premier League opponents.

Assuming that we have a squad that is near enough fully fit, then we also have game-changers on the bench who will not be daunted by the challenge of Chelsea.

The fact that the Blues face Liverpool in the EFL Cup final just a few days before might also bode well for us and it may force Thomas Tuchel to use players on the fringes of things.

Chelsea fans will underestimate us but with the Kenny rocking like it undoubtedly will be, anything can happen.

The odds will be against us and Chelsea possess world-class quality in abundance, however, we are proving to be a resilient outfit who also have the ability and character needed for games like the one coming up in early March.