COLIN Todd revived memories of famous cup conquests as Wanderers prepared to get their giant-killing show back on the road.

The Bolton boss took a glance back into recent history as he prepared to take on Chelsea's cosmopolitan all-stars for a place in the fourth round of the Coca-Cola Cup.

He makes no secret of his respect for his Premiership opponents and admits: "Whatever side Ruud Gullit comes here with will be a tremendous test for us."

But the man who played a key role as coach when Wanderers humbled Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal, Aston Villa, West Ham and Norwich in three glorious cup campaigns is banking on continuity, current form and the incentive of taking another prized scalp to give his high-flying Division One leaders the edge in tonight's Burnden battle.

Todd pointed out with confidence and pride: "We have a great tradition in cup football and this is a game for us all to look forward to - players and supporters alike. This is a great opportunity for us to make a name for ourselves again.

"We struggled against Bristol City in the last round because I think the players felt it difficult to raise their game. But they'll need no motivating tonight."

It took extra-time in an uninspiring second leg for Wanderers to see off the challenge of Joe Jordan's Second Division side but the competition comes alive at the knockout stages and Burnden fans could hardly have picked a more intriguing tie.

Gullit, who has not started a first team game since succeeding Glenn Hoddle as player-manager in the summer, made a surprise return as substitute in Saturday's 4-2 home defeat by Wimbledon and has named himself in a squad of 16.

Wanderers, determined to keep their incredible run going in cup and league, will be unchanged, Todd making no distinction when assessing the importance of games.

That means Chelsea will have to contend with Wanderers' in-form goalscoring duo of John McGinlay, who notched two in Saturday's 3-3 comeback draw at Charlton, and ten-goal top scorer Nathan Blake.

Coach Phil Brown acknowledges his side could face a backlash as Gullit's multi-talented team bid to atone for their drubbing in the London derby but he remains confident.

He says: That setback might just spur Chelsea on but there is no doubt that we are up for the tie and they will not relish coming to our place.

"People ask if success in the cup competitions gets in the way of the chances of success in the league but I would say one enhances the other. If we had lost to Bristol City in the last round our league form might have suffered as a result."

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