ADVER Sport takes a look at Swindon Town's Checkatrade Trophy opponents, Chelsea Development

THE CHALKBOARD

WHILE much of the visitors’ line-up at the County Ground this season is likely to be an unknown quantity, there will at least be a sense of familiarity for Town fans on the opposition bench.

Adi Viveash took charge of the Blues’ Under 21 squad from the beginning of the 2014/15 season, after stints in charge of the Under 19s in a successful UEFA Youth League campaign and the youth team, whom he led to the FA Youth Cup twice.

Born in Swindon, and brought up through the youth ranks at Town, as a central defender Viveash was handed his debut by Ossie Ardiles in 1990 and made more than 80 appearances until 1995, later returning for a spell in the 2003-04 season, after loan spells at both Reading and Barnsley, as well as captaining Walsall to promotion to Division One in 1999.

POSSIBLE LINE-UP

Swindon Advertiser:

MAN IN FORM: Nathaniel Chalobah

THE abundance of riches available to tonight’s visitors means the make-up of their line-up for tonight’s tie is difficult to gauge.

Competition rules state that at least six of the ‘invited’ clubs’ line-up for Trophy matches must contain at least six Under 21 players, making it likely that the majority of the line-up seems will come from Chelsea’s development team.

However, also into the equation could come the likes of England Under 21 stars Nathaniel Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lewis Baker.

Midfielder Chalobah has managed the feat of winning nearly 90 England caps at age groups ranging from the Under 16s to Under 21s, without yet making a first team appearance for the Blues, although Antonio Conte blocked loans moves in the recent window suggesting he may soon feature.

TREATMENT ROOM

CHELSEA’S development team were held to a 1-1 draw by London rivals Tottenham Hotspur last Friday in their Premier League 2 clash, with no subsequent injury worries reported by boss Adi Viveash.

On a more senior note at Stamford Bridge, French centre-half Kurt Zouma is still on the comeback trail having suffered cruciate ligament damage against Manchester United seven months ago, while captain John Terry was also being monitored after picking up a knock in the 2-2 Premier League draw with Swansea City on Sunday.

OPPO FORM GUIDE

FRI, SEPT 9

PREMIER LEAGUE 2

3-1 win v Tottenham Hotspur (H)

SUN, AUG 28

PREMIER LEAGUE 2

1-1 draw v Man Utd (A)

MON, AUG 22

PREMIER LEAGUE 2

4-1 Win v Liverpool (H)

SUN, AUG 14

PREMIER LEAGUE 2

1-1 Draw v Sunderland (A)

FRI, AUG 5

Friendly 3-0 win v West Ham (H)

THE STAT

Town’s first competitive win over Chelsea came in September 1963 as Jack Smith, twice, and Roger Smart scored in a 3-0 League Cup second round tie triumph over a Blues side that contained Peter Bonettti and Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris