Big Sleep Out raises £25k for charities for the homeless

Chelsea return to Premier League action in the clash of the day when they take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, writes Paul Lagan.

The Blues are third in the league – a point ahead of City.

Head Coach Frank Lampard will return to one of his former clubs.

He played 32 times for City, scoring six times – one against Chelsea in a 1-1 draw in September 2014.

Lampard will have a selection headache as he decides whether to continue with Reece James at right-back or bring back skipper Cesar Azpilicueta.

While many Blues players enjoyed a successful international break, more than 100 fans braved the cold weather by taking part in a Big Sleep Out at Stamford Bridge on Saturday – all in aid of two local charities.

The supporters were joined by club legend Paul Canoville, and have so far raised more than £25,000.

After finding spots in the East Stand concourse, the intrepid group assembled to listen to presentations from charities Stoll and Glass Door, which work with homeless people.

Lights went out at 11.30pm. Most of those attending got a few hours’ sleep, but were probably relieved to hear the cries of ‘tea up,’ at 6am when bacon rolls and pastries were also on offer.