Nottingham Forest have this evening been handed a trip to Premier League giants Chelsea in the FA Cup third round.
It represents the second season running that The Reds have been drawn to face the holders of the competition; having faced, and defeated Arsenal during the 2017/18 campaign.
The Blues are currently third in the top flight and have looked like genuine title contenders under the new management of Maurizio Sarri.
The draw sees Forest return to Stamford Bridge, where their Carabao Cup campaign ended last season following a 5-1 defeat.
The last time The Reds made the same trip in the FA Cup was back in 2007 when Forest, then of League One, were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Jose Mourinho’s outfit.
Although boss Aitor Karanka might have fancied an easier first game in this season’s competition; he will surely relish the opportunity against one of Europe’s finest.
The FA Cup isn’t a priority for The Reds but the current squad will love the chance to put on a good show at Chelsea.
Forest’s performances of late have been solid in the Championship and a good showing against the FA Cup holders can send out a message to the rest of the division.