Chelsea discover four potential opponents for Conference League knockouts but won’t know who they play for MONTHS
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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 has seen Enzo Maresca's men top the 36-team group with minimal fuss.
![[Chelsea breezed through to the last 16]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/celebrates-scoring-hatrick-teams-fourth-958585620.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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. The Blues are set to face one of FC Copenhagen, Gent, Heidenheim or Real Betis. Last 16 ties are not due to commence until March, with first legs on the sixth and seconds on the 13th.
![[Enzo Maresca will have some big decisions to make for the group stage]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/epa11786461-chelsea-manager-enzo-maresca-958595305.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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. The Blues and second seeds Vitoria could yet end up on either side of the bracket. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS.
![[Chelsea are set to learn their position in the bracket on February 21]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NINTCHDBPICT000958763998.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Maresca's men could meet a side that 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. 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.
