CHELSEA have discovered the four teams they could potentially meet in the Europa Conference League round of 16.
The Blues concluded their comfortable league phase campaign with a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers last night.
Six wins out of six saw Enzo Maresca’s men top the 36-team group with minimal fuss.
As one of the top eight, Chelsea will skip the play-off round, contested between teams placed between nine and 24.
Instead, they will move straight into the round of 16.
And waiting for them there will be one of FC Copenhagen, Gent, Heidenheim or Real Betis.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
At the Conference League draw today, Gent were drawn against Real Betis, with Copenhagen facing Heidenheim.
Last 16 ties are not due to commence until March, with first legs on the sixth and seconds on the 13th.
The play-off round, meanwhile, will take place in February.
Chelsea’s position in the bracket will not be confirmed until the draw on February 21, meaning they could still face the winners of either match.
Most read in Football
The Blues and second seeds Vitoria, or Portugal, could end up on either side of the bracket.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
It means Maresca’s men have a good chance of meeting a side they have already faced in the competition next up.
They defeated Gent 4-2 at Stamford Bridge on matchday one back in October.
While they triumphed 2-0 at Heidenheim just three weeks ago.
It remains to be seen how seriously Maresca will take the competition.
Their 25-man squad for the group stage left out star man Cole Palmer, as well as Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia.
Maresca was asked by TNT Sports last night about whether Palmer could be added to the squad for the knockouts.
‘A BIT UNHAPPY’
He said: “Depends on January. In January we don’t want to sell players, but players who are not playing a lot will be a bit unhappy.
“It depends on what happens in January and then we decide.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“This competition will be up until March and then we have the FA Cup.
“The players have to be ready as they are going to play.”
Chelsea ratings vs Shamrock as Marc Guiu gives keeper nightmares but Casadei fails to impress
CHELSEA made it six Europa Conference League wins in a row with a 5-1 drubbing of Shamrock Rovers.
Striker Marc Guiu got a hat-trick while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Cucurella also got in on the goals.
Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…
FILIP JORGENSEN – 7
Didn’t have much at all to do throughout.
Commanded his box well, and couldn’t do much about the goal.
JOSH ACHAEMPONG – 6
All eyes were on the young defender who has just signed a new long-term deal at Stamford Bridge.
He played as a more defensive-minded right-back in Maresca’s system, who looked good in that role.
AXEL DISASI – 6
A commanding performance from the French centre-half, he showed maturity in his game, was always an outlet for the Chelsea midfield.
RENATO VEIGA – 6
A very solid performance from Chelsea’s number 40.
Unpolished, but physically strong and composed on the ball – this tournament should prove brilliant for him in a blue shirt.
MARC CUCURELLA – 8
Acted as a leader inverting into midfield for Chelsea, mostly playing as the left-sided number 10.
Scored a classy right-footed goal into the bottom left corner to cap off a great performance.
CESARE CASADEI – 4
Turned his back on a volleyed effort which he then deflected into his own net with a flick.
Andrey Santos on loan at Strasbourg will be an upgrade on him next season.
KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL – 8
His best game in a Chelsea shirt to date, a tenacious performance saw him battle to win the ball high up and press the Shamrock defense really well.
Looked overjoyed to net his second Chelsea goal since joining from Leicester.
NONI MADUEKE – 7
His excellent first touch and dazzling feet were on full show, getting the Chelsea fans on their feet a few times.
It looked like his good deliveries would get no reward until he provided a classy assist for Marc Guiu’s hat-trick goal.
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7
Was kicked around the pitch like a ragdoll by the visitors, but constantly drove the team forward and won foul upon foul in the first half for The Blues.
Worked tirelessly and perhaps didn’t get the reward he deserved after being bought down before Dewsbury-Hall netted Chelsea’s third.
Notched an assist as Marc Cucurella finished into the bottom left corner to add a fifth.
TYRIQUE GEORGE – 7
Looks a special player on the ball for the Blues, and it’s easy to see why fans are so excited about him for the future.
A raw talent who is far from the finished product in terms of his final ball – his brilliant run created the defensive chaos that allowed Marc Guiu to finish with ease.
Was unfortunate not to add a goal to his performance after he sent a Shamrock defender for a Guinness at the end of the game before seeing his shot well blocked.
MARC GUIU – 10
Scored his fourth, fifth and sixth Europa Conference League goals in six matches to make him the competition’s highest scorer as it stands.
The Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper will be seeing Marc Guiu’s face when he closes his eyes for at least the next few weeks.
Chelsea fans will be seeing shades of Olivier Giroud’s Europa League run in 2019.
SUBS:
HARVEY VALE (MADUEKE, HT) – 5
Having looked far too good to be playing for Chelsea’s u21’s this season he was rewarded with a half in this game.
Failed to have the impact that Noni did in the first half, but it was far from a bad performance by the youngster.
HARRISON MURRAY-CAMBPELL (DISASI, 59) – 6
Didn’t look out of place at the heart of the Chelsea defence when making his debut for The Blues, and looked equally as competent at right-back.
One to watch for the future.
JOAO FELIX (GUIU, 60) – 5
Showed signs of promise after coming on from the bench, but was unable to find the back of the net.
SAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (DEWSBURY-HALL, 83) – 5
Another composed few minutes in midfield for The Blues.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
