Chelsea youth team boss Adi Viveash believes his side's FA Youth Cup experience could prove to be decisive when they face local rivals Arsenal in their Semi-Final first leg on Thursday.
The Blues have reached the last-four stage for the fifth year running and lifted the trophy in 2010 and 2012.
And Viveash's side also competed in last year's Final, when they were defeated by Norwich City so he believes his players' big-game know-how will be key this time around.
Chelsea v Arsenal
The FA Youth Cup
Semi-Final first leg
7.05pm, Thursday 10 April
Stamford Bridge, Chelsea FC
By Haydn Cobb
He said: "For Chelsea to be in this situation year after year is a credit to the academy.
"As we have been here before, we know to treat the Semi-Finals like two separate games. The second leg only becomes important once the first leg is over.
"The whole competition is very tough and creates different situations away from what league football can create.
"We've played the Semi-Final first leg away from home and at home in our last two Semi-Finals so we have experience."
Viveash and his charges are well aware of the threat posed by cross city rivals Arsenal though and says the north London side will provide a tough test.
"Chelsea versus Arsenal is a big game at any level, whether it is the first team or the academy," he added.
"Some of our players know the Arsenal players very well and we are used to playing against them. We must be respectful to Arsenal because they are a good side and prepare well."
Dom Solanke and Izzy Brown will both be back to bolster Chelsea's attacking options
Chelsea will welcome back England U17s forwards Izzy Brown and Dominic Solanke, after they helped John Peacock's side qualify for this summer's European Championships Finals in Malta.
And Viveash gave credit to his international players, who he feels will be vital for his side.
"The achievement of qualifying for a major tournament will put a spring in their step," he said.
"It will be a great experience for them to play in the summer.
"To have two players in such good form is a major threat to the opposition, but they also have players competing at youth international level so they are a threat to us as well."
