These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Houghton on who he wants to face in the Blues midfield tomorrow

Plymouth Argyle midfielder Jordan Houghton is relishing a return to Chelsea tomorrow after spending 15 years at the club’s Academy.

Houghton came through the Cobham ranks alongside the likes of Dominic Solanke, Tammy Abraham, Andreas Christensen and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Both Christensen and Loftus-Cheek played alongside Houghton as we won a dramatic FA Youth Cup final in 2014, defeating Fulham 7-6.

Speaking to Plymouth’s official website, Houghton couldn’t hide his excitement of a return to the Bridge.

‘Coming out to a packed Stamford Bridge is going to be something I dreamt of from when I was a little boy.

‘Being 26 years old, the majority of my life was spent at Chelsea, it was where I grew up and to go back there will be great,’ Houghton admitted.

‘I would have obviously liked to do it as a Chelsea player but to do it as an Argyle player is something I am incredibly proud of.’

Houghton also said who he wants to battle it out with in the centre of the pitch on Saturday.

‘I want to come up against Ruben in midfield, I’ve never played against him before and I hope he plays.

‘They are two top players who have played a lot of games for Chelsea, and I am sure have a lot more to give as well,’ Houghton added.

‘Me and Ruben are good friends, we came through the ranks together and both of us were at the club from the age of nine.’

Rice outlines his hero growing up

Former Chelsea Academy player Declan Rice has revealed that John Terry was his idol growing up.

The West Ham midfielder grew up watching the Blues at Stamford Bridge, coinciding with some of Terry’s strongest and most memorable years at the club.

Speaking to Gary Neville’s YouTube channel The Overlap, Rice admitted he is in contact with the former Chelsea captain to this day.

‘I speak to him a lot, I speak to him all the time really. For me growing up being a Chelsea fan, having a season ticket there, going to all of the games, being in the academy,’ Rice said. ‘Just looking at him, everything was him. JT on the kits, JT on the back of the shirt.

‘I said when I was younger: “If I make it, I want to be no.26.” He was amazing for me when I got released as well.

‘He picked up the phone, he didn't have to, I was only 14 at the time. I was speaking to my idol but yeah, we've got a good relationship.’

England captain selects two Blues in his five-a-side team

Harry Kane has praised the ‘fantastic’ Reece James after he selected him in his Premier League five-a-side team.

The Spurs striker also selected N’Golo Kante in his midfield when speaking to Amazon Prime Sport this week.

‘I’ll go Hugo [Lloris] in goal. Sonny (Heung-Min Son) up top. Mo Salah up top,’ Kane added.

‘I’ll go for N’Golo Kante in midfield.

‘I need to put a defender in there, don’t I. I’ll go for Reece James. He’s been fantastic this year and he can do some great attacking as well.’