Chelsea could play one of four teams in Europa Conference League round of 16

The Blues topped the league phase table to reach the competition's knockout stage, and rounded off their perfect opening round campaign with a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers last night.

With six wins out of six, Enzo Maresca's side comfortably finished ahead of second placed Vitoria de Guimaraes, who claimed 14 points.

And as one of the top eight teams, Chelsea will skip the play-off round, contested between those placed between nine and 24.

This means that they have automatically progressed through to the round of 16.

Here, the Blues could face one of FC Copenhagen, Gent, Heidenheim or Real Betis.

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Play-off fixtures for the knockout phase will take place in February, before the round of 16 draw takes place on February 21.

Chelsea will then discover their position in the bracket, with Portuguese outfit Vitoria de Guimareas the other team who could also end up playing any of these four sides.

Last 16 ties will take place in March, with first-leg clashes on March 6, followed by the second legs a week later on March 13.

Interestingly, the Londoners have already faced two of their potential opponents in the competition's league phase.

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Chelsea beat Belgian side Gent 4-2 at Stamford Bridge in October, while they secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory away to Bundesliga outfit Heidenheim at the end of November.

It remains to be seen which players will take to the field for the Blues when they return to Conference League action in 2025.

Maresca rested some key members of his squad for the group stage, leaving star man Cole Palmer out of their 25-man squad, as well as Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia.

Their victory over Shamrock Rovers last night saw youngster Marc Guiu net a hat-trick, even though he is yet to start in the Premier League.

After the match, the Italian coach was asked if Palmer would be added to the squad for the knockout phase.

Speaking to TNT Sports, 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.

"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."

The Londoners will no doubt be aiming to go all the way in Europe's third-tier competition, with the final taking place in Poland's Stadion Wroxclaw on Wednesday, May 21.