Ruud Gullit, our former manager who guided us to FA Cup glory in 1997, was back at the Bridge to carry out the draw, traditionally one of the highlights of the domestic football calendar.

The Dutchman, who joined Chelsea in a playing capacity from Sampdoria in 1995, was tasked with pulling out the home teams while ex-England international Paul Ince drew the away sides.

The Blues, who have reached the final in the previous two years, secured the trophy last May as Eden Hazard’s penalty ensured we got the better of Manchester United at Wembley, and following tonight’s draw our defence of the trophy begins at home.

Nottingham Forest are currently fifth in the Championship and they visited the Bridge last season in the Carabao Cup, with the Blues winning 5-1.

Our assistant first team coach Gianfranco Zola, who was part of Gullit's team which beat Middlesbrough to win the competition in '97, was in attendance as the draw was made, and the Italian provided his reaction to the Blues being paired with Forest.

'I saw them play against Leeds away and they are a really dangerous side,' said Zola. 'It's a good draw. We play at home and we want to go through so it will be a cracking match.'