BARROW AFC fans are relishing the prospect of going toe-to-toe with Premier League big-spenders Chelsea.
The Bluebirds’ reward for knocking out Championship side Derby County in the second round of the Carabao Cup is a trip to the capital to face the star-studded 2021 Champions League winners.
The spending power between the two sides is astronomical with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca splashing out £204m on new signings this summer alone.
Players that Stephen Clemence’s charges may come up against include Argentinian World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella, who starred in Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign and England’s Cole Palmer.
Frazer Stewart, the Bluebirds Trust director on the club board, said: “It's a fantastic draw, I'm buzzing with excitement.
“It's not often we get to play a Premier League team – never mind a Champions League winner! Middlesbrough and Sunderland were great days out and Chelsea will be too if not better.
“It'll hopefully make the club plenty of money and carry on the positivity that is all around the club at the moment.”
Supporters on the club’s forum page were also delighted with the plum draw.
One said: “Magical. Chelsea v Barrow in the League Cup 3rd Round. Who'd have imagined such a thing in 1999, for example, or the mid 70s if you remember back that far. David and Goliath. On we go, you Mighty Bluebirds.”
Another wrote: “Absolutely brilliant. Really pleased with this. Whatever happens it’s a good payday for the club and a dream away trip for the fans. I never thought I'd see the day but this board has made it possible. I hope loads of fans make the effort to travel and make a racket.”
And another said: “Lovely revenue for the club and big stadium for players and fans – wow.”
It’s not the first time the two sides have locked horns in a cup tie but you have to go back to January 10, 1948, for the previous encounter.
That was another Third Round tie but in the FA Cup.
The game was played in front of a crowd of 44,336 at Stamford Bridge and saw the hosts running out 5-0 winners.
The Third Round Carabao Cup games will be played in the weeks commencing September 16 and 23.
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