The 21-year-old has been involved in more goals than any other Blues player this season, scoring 11 and assisting seven, and is clearly enjoying himself.

'They’ve been some amazing months, to be fair, probably the best months of my career,' said Cole Palmer. 'I’ve been playing a lot of football and playing well… it’s been about the opportunity, with the platform we’re trying to build, the project, and the love from the fans.

'I arrived on the last day of the transfer window, I didn’t do pre-season with any of the lads, but as time has gone on, I’ve started to build more and more relationships.

'There are a load of young players here and, on a personal note, it’s been amazing. Now we just need to get the team results as we have been in the past month or two, so hopefully that can continue.'

We also hear from Carlton Cole, another player who made an impact at the Bridge as a youngster. The centre-forward came through the Chelsea Academy and exploded onto the scene under Claudio Ranieri but ultimately couldn’t break into a team full of superstar strikers. Cole, who spent some time on loan at Wolves as well, reflects openly on that transitional period for both club and player.

'The [other forwards] were three or four years older than me and they were experienced, ready-made pros. I found it hard to get in, but at the same time I’m glad I experienced playing with such world-class players and training every day with them, trying to compete with the best in the world.

'It was a 10-year stint where I grew into a man,' he says. 'I spent my kidulthood at Chelsea and I got a great wealth of experience at a young age because I saw the full transition of Chelsea, and I was a part of it.'

Our Long Read this weekend focuses on the moment Frank Lampard became our all-time top goalscorer in 2013 and how he managed to transform himself into a goal machine from midfield.

You’ll also find all the info you need ahead of the game, plus columns from Mauricio Pochettino, Reece James, Emma Hayes and our Academy coaches, not to mention all the latest Chelsea facts and stats.

Make sure you pick up your copy from the programme sellers around the stadium or from the online shop of our publications partner, Reach Sport.