Hammers boss Alan Pardew has spoken of his delight at drawing Premiership title-chasers Chelsea in the third round of the Carling Cup.
Pardew - speaking on whufc.co.uk this morning - revealed:"I am absolutely delighted for our fans that we have pulled a draw against Chelsea out of the hat.
"One thing is for sure - it will generate a real buzz at the training ground amongst the players and staff.
"This is one to get really excited about - I am certain we will easily sell all our 6,000 allocation of tickets and the fans will have a great night out at Stamford Bridge."
Although ticket information is yet to be released by Chelsea, the Blues have been charging lower prices for Carling Cup matches in recent seasons to ensure capacity crowds.
The likelyhood is that tickets for travelling supporters will cost around £25, as opposed to £50+ for the same seats for Premiership games.
Tickets will go on sale, via the usual channels, to bondholders next Thursday - 30th September - and to season ticket holders from 1st October (priority point applications first, and to remaining season ticket holders the following day - Saturday, 2nd October).
Tickets are scheduled to go on general sale from Tuesday, 5th October - although the chances of any being available at that stage look slim.
The two clubs have only met once previously in the League Cup - that being at the same stage of the competition back in October 1994, when Don Hutchison's second-minute curler was enough to separate the sides on the night.
And you have to go back to February 2002 to find the last Chelsea win in this fixture - that coming in the FA Cup fourth round replay, when a Graham Poll-inspired Chelsea won 3-2 thanks to a last gasp winner from John Terry.
West Ham - as you will all know - did the double over Chelsea the last time the two clubs met in the league; Paolo Di Canio orchestrating both victories (3-2 at the Bridge and 1-0 at Upton Park).
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