Stam's Chelsea challenge

By Iain Spragg

Jaap Stam returns to London for a competitive match for the first time since he left Manchester United FC for S.S. Lazio in August 2001, as his side take on Chelsea FC in a UEFA Champions League Group G game. And despite Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's summer spending spree, the Dutch international is adamant Lazio will not be intimidated at Stamford Bridge.

Transfer frenzy
"Chelsea now have incredible quality throughout their squad," Stam told uefa.com. "I think everyone in the world of football was surprised by just how much money they spent over the summer. It is difficult not to imagine them challenging for honours this season with that much talent at the club.

Shared ambition
"I am sure they will expect to do well in both the [FA] Premiership and the Champions League and it will be interesting to see how they cope with that level of expectation," he added. "It is the same for us at Lazio and I know it is hard when people expect so much. But we have the same ambitions and we do not fear Chelsea."

London calling
Stam's last visit to Stamford Bridge in February 2001 resulted in a 1-1 draw but the central defender admits his memories of his penultimate trip to the home of Claudio Ranieri's team are more vivid - and more painful.

Five alive
"United's defeat at Stamford Bridge in 1999 is a game that still gives me nightmares," the 31-year-old said. "Gustavo Poyet scored in the first minute, Nicky Butt got sent off midway through the first half, and we got thumped 5-0. They beat us in every department on the pitch that day. We still went on to win the title that season, but it's fair to say I've got mixed memories of my visits to Stamford Bridge."

Bouncing back
Both teams go into Wednesday's clash following domestic defeats at the weekend. Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by FA Premiership leaders Arsenal FC at Highbury while Lazio succumbed 1-0 to AC Milan at the San Siro. The Italians, however, remain unbeaten and top of Group G after two matches, with Chelsea third on three points after a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Besiktas JK on Matchday 2.

Old friends
For Stam, Wednesday's game will see him renew acquaintances with two old friends from club and country - although he admits familiarity is not necessarily a good thing from his point of view. "There will be a few familiar faces on the pitch, particularly my old Lazio team-mate Hernán Crespo and my Dutch team-mate Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink," Stam said. "Chelsea have so many players to watch, but these two must be given special attention.

Creative Crespo
"Crespo is a great talent. You can never leave him free for a second. Unfortunately, knowing him from his Lazio career does not mean I have an advantage and it is often true that it's harder to mark a striker you know than one you don't. Yes, I know many of his tricks and his style of play, but he knows mine as well and he'll look to use that against me for the full 90 minutes.

Hasselbaink hunger
"As for Jimmy, well Jimmy is just a goal machine," he continued. "I have known few strikers who love to score as much as him and that's what makes him special. He is also so strong and very quick, and that is a combination that will always be a problem for defenders."