Shamrock Rovers to face Chelsea in the Conference League

Michael Bolton

Shamrock Rovers face a trip to Stamford Bridge as they have been drawn to face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League.

After defeat to PAOK in the Europa League play-off, Stephen Bradley's side still had the Conference League group stages to fall back on, and will face Chelsea, who will be one of the favourites for the competition.

In the new format of the competition, each team plays six games, with three away and three home, in a league format.

Shamrock Rovers will also travel to Rapid Vienna, and Irish league side Larne.

In Tallaght Stadium, they will host APOEL, The New Saints and Borac.

Teams in the top eight will go straight through to the last 16, with ninth to 24th in a play-off for the last 16.

Shamrock Rovers were last in the group stage of a European competition in 2022, when they last qualified for the Conference League.

Enzo Maresca’s side came through a play-off against Servette to take their place in Friday’s hybrid draw in Monaco.

The first games are on October 3rd and 24th, with the last four after the League of Ireland season ends on November 1st, with ties set for November 7th and 28th, and December 12th and 19th.

Fixture details for the games will be released on Saturday.