CHELSEA begin their Premier League campaign with a daunting clash against defending champions Manchester City.
But ahead of that game the Blues will also have one eye on a match in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday night.
That’s because Enzo Maresca’s side will find out who they play in their Uefa Conference League play-off.
Who can Chelsea face in the Uefa Conference League play-off?
Qualifying for the Uefa Conference League main draw has been in full swing for more than a month – the first phase started on July 11, just before the Euro 2024 final.
Chelsea will enter the competition at the play-off round, the FOURTH and final stage ahead of the group phase.
The draw for that round took place on August 5, with Chelsea drawn against either Swiss club Servette or Portuguese side Braga.
Those two teams are actually playing for a place in the Europa League – the winner will go on to face a play-off for a place in that competition and the losers face Chelsea.
The first leg was played in Portugal on July 8 and favourites Braga – who finished fourth in the Primeira Liga – could only manage a 0-0 draw with Servette, who finished third in the Swiss Super League.
They now head to Geneva for the second leg on Thursday, July 15.
When do Chelsea start their Uefa Conference League campaign?
Once the result is settled on Thursday night, Maresca and his coaching staff can begin preparation for the first leg.
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Man City come first on Sunday, of course, but the Blues will only have to wait until Thursday, August 22 to begin their European adventure.
The first leg will be played at Stamford Bridge – kick off is still TBC – with the second leg played away on Thursday, August 29.
It will be a busy start for Chelsea, who also travel to Wolves on August 25 and host Crystal Palace on September 1.
Should they progress against Braga or Servette, the for the group phase takes place on August 30 and the first game is on October 3.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
