**Shamrock Rovers**
Rovers secured at least a spot in the Conference League knockout play-off with a 3-0 win against Bosnian side FK Borac Banja Luka last week and now effectively have a free hit against two-time Champions League winners Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Stephen Bradley’s men currently sit in sixth place in the table, and if the Hoops could pull off the mother of all upsets in West London, it would guarantee their spot straight into the round of 16.
The Tallaght side’s prior record against English clubs doesn’t inspire too much optimism, however, as they’ve lost all four previous meetings.
But in a campaign that has already wildly exceeded expectations, many travelling fans will likely be quietly optimistic about at least causing the Blues some problems on their home turf.
A large contingent of away fans is expected to make the short trip to London, and Bradley is grateful to end the year with such a mouth-watering tie.
“It’s a dream game for the fans and the club, to play one of the best teams in European football right now.
“I’m really happy that over 3,000 of our fans are getting to travel to Stamford Bridge to watch their team, their club, playing on this stage,” he said.
“That’s why we work so hard, and why we love this game, as it can give you nights and opportunities like Thursday night,” he concluded.
Chelsea have won all five of their previous matches in the competition and will likely field a youthful and inexperienced side, while Rovers are at near full strength and able to concentrate fully on Europe after the conclusion of the Irish domestic season last month.
With qualification secure, Rovers will likely never have a better opportunity to play without pressure in a fixture of this magnitude.
**Chelsea**
The Blues have breezed through the league phase with a 100% winning record and have forced themselves into the Premier League title race, despite manager Enzo Maresca claiming otherwise.
The Chelsea faithful will be confident of another easy win, but Maresca has done his research on his side’s next opponents and isn’t showing any complacency, despite being heavy favourites.
“I watched four or five games and they are a good team. They try to defend as a block all together and play face to face with the other team. I’m quite convinced all the games are difficult,” he said.
“It depends on us, the way we take that game, and it can become easier or more difficult, but for sure it will be another game we try to win,” he added.
With qualification straight through to the last 16 already secure and an opportunity to go top of the Premier League for a couple of hours at least awaiting them on Sunday, Chelsea are likely to rest their key figures. This may tip the odds towards Rovers more than if the London side needed a win.
**Match Stats**
This will be the first competitive meeting between Chelsea and an Irish side.
Rovers’ Johnny Kenny is the Conference League’s joint top scorer with five goals, tied with Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Afimico Pululu of Jagiellonia.
The Hoops’ last competitive game in London was a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in September 2011. Stephen Rice scored the opener for Rovers before quick-fire goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko, Jermain Defoe, and Giovani dos Santos turned the game around for Spurs.
**Prediction**
Chelsea 3-1 Shamrock Rovers
**Team News**
**Chelsea**
**Injured:** Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Reece James
**Doubtful:** Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Joao Felix
**Suspended:** Mykhailo Mudryk
**Shamrock Rovers**
**Injured:** Rory Gaffney, Aaron McEneff
**Doubtful:** None
**Suspended:** None