It is a special day for Crystal Palace defender Gary Cahill as he makes his first return to Chelsea since leaving the Blues this summer.
The former Chelsea captain is back at Stamford Bridge this afternoon (Saturday) for the first time since his summer exit, with the former England international lining up for Palace against his old side.
He starts against the Blues, lining up in the centre of defence alongside James Tomkins, with Cahill given a good reception by the home supporters after his seven years in west London.
During that time, he won the Premier League, FA Cup (twice), League Cup, Champions League and Europa League (twice), with Cahill captaining the Blues on 79 occasions.
And the current Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who was not named in Frank Lampard's starting line-up, has sent a touching message to Cahill on his return.
Writing in his matchday programme notes, the Spaniard said: "Gaz my friend, I know it's a special day for you to come back to your home - the place where you enjoyed all those amazing moments with the fans and where you left great memories for all of us.
"It will be great to see you, but as soon as the ball is kicked, I know we will both be looking only to win the game for our teams.
"For sure, we know we have to be 200 per cent ready against a very dangerous side like Palace."
