Chelsea face an old enemy this weekend as Leeds visit Stamford Bridge.

It’s a rivalry stretching back to the ill-tempered FA Cup final of 1970, which was eventually settled at a replay at Old Trafford in Chelsea’s favour.

In recent years, Leeds slipped out of the top flight and the duel between the two sides was put on ice.

But now it’s back with a vengeance. Added spice is provided by the fact that Patrick Bamford, the United striker, is an ex-Chelsea youth product, deemed surplus to requirements.

Despite an odd, angular loping running style, he has proved remarkably effective in front of opponents’ goals. Now back to full fitness after injury, he will be a major threat in Chelsea’s box on Saturday afternoon.

Chelsea will try to neutralise his threat in the best way they know how – a pre-match presentation on the pitch to ‘thank’ him for his years in SW6.

This is not designed to heap praise on a potentially dangerous opponent, but to baffle and bewilder them. To get a rousing round of applause from the home fans is calculated to distract and disorientate.

The visiting Leeds fans, at the Shed end, are powerless to do anything but join in the applause for their frontline hero.

Then Chelsea gallop out of the blocks, score a quick goal and take command of the game. At least that’s the thinking.