Chelsea are set to be in Pot One when the Champions League group stage draw is made on Thursday, however unlike in previous years this will not see them avoid any big ties in the early stages of the competition.
The Blues are taking part in the new format of the European competition for the first time, which will see them play eight group stage games instead of the six they would have played before.
Therefore, Chelsea will face at least two of the teams who are alongside them in pot one, with one of them being at Stamford Bridge.
They will not be able to face any other side from the Premier League, meaning they will not be drawn against either Liverpool or Manchester City.
Some of the best clubs in Europe remain as possible opponents, and The Chelsea Chronicle have ranked the difficulty of the sides they could face from pot one in the group stages of the Champions League.
Enzo Maresca looks on during West Ham United v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Borussia Dortmund – Dream draw
There are clearly no easy ties for Chelsea from pot one, however they would surely fancy their chances against Borussia Dortmund more than most.
The Bundesliga side scraped into the Champions League after a strong end to last season, however have seen star winger Jamie Gittens depart to Stamford Bridge.
Dortmund are set to sign Carney Chukwuemeka on a permanent deal, with Aaron Anselmino also poised for a loan move, but Chelsea would still count themselves lucky if they drew the Germans in the group stages.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Inter Milan – Dream draw
Despite being finalists in two of the last three editions of the Champions League, Inter Milan have not added to their European trophy cabinet since Jose Mourinho led them to glory in 2010.
Chelsea were defeated by the Serie A giants in that campaign, but would not be disappointed to draw them this time around.
The Club World Cup saw a disappointing outcome, with them defeated by Fluminense in the Round of 16, and the departure of Simone Inzaghi will impact their performances in Europe.
PSG – Recent experience in Chelsea’s favour
Very few sides would be relishing the prospect of facing the Champions League holders in the group stages, however Chelsea may be upon that small group.
The Blues decimated PSG in the Club World Cup final just over a month ago, with Cole Palmer the best player on a pitch full of superstars.
Enzo Maresca had a clear gameplan to beat a side who had looked unstoppable to many up until that point, and surely they will back themselves to do this again should a rematch be set up for the Champions League group stages.
A view of the draw balls during UEFA Champions League 2022/23 Round of 16 Draw
Photo by Kristian Skeie UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Real Madrid – Arsenal have set the blueprint
From this point on, the potential ties for Chelsea are anything but desirable, however if they were to draw Real Madrid, they can look to one of their Premier League rivals for the blueprint on beating them.
Arsenal were relentless against the La Liga giants, comfortably winning the quarter-final tie 5-1 on aggregate, and the Blues can certainly match this intensity in big games.
Enzo Fernandez would no doubt relish the chance to face Madrid, with there being reports linking the World Cup winner with a move to the Bernabeu.
Bayern Munich – A potential reunion with a former Chelsea star?
The quality of Bayern Munich’s squad needs no introduction, however the likes of Michael Olise and Harry Kane could be joined by a current Chelsea star before the transfer window closes.
Nicolas Jackson has been linked with Bayern throughout the summer transfer window, and while there are a number of clubs interested in signing him he is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Blues will know all about the qualities Jackson has, and how that can come back to bite them if they were to meet in the Champions League.
Barcelona – The biggest possible test for Chelsea’s defence
Despite being knocked out in the semi-finals of last season’s competition, there is an element of fear struck into any backline who have to face Barcelona.
Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski already formed one of the best possible attacks in Europe, and now they have added Marcus Rashford, who is on a mission to announce himself again as one of the top attackers.
A Chelsea defence that is missing Levi Colwill are going to be tested to their limits to keep out Barcelona, and they are definitely a side that Maresca will be looking to avoid in the draw.