Chelsea discover Europa Conference League opponents with Enzo Maresca's side handed nightmare away trip and date with Irish minnows

The Europa Conference League draw has been made and Chelsea have discovered their opponents for the league phase. The Blues face a nightmare away trip to Kazakhstan to play Astana, along with a journey to Armenia to play Noah, and will also welcome Shamrock Rovers, from the Republic of Ireland, to Stamford Bridge.

Full Chelsea draw: Gent (H), Heidenheim (A), Astana (A), Shamrock Rovers (H), Panathinaikos (A), Noah (H).

Chelsea had to overcome a major scare to qualify for the league phase, as they were beaten 2-1 by Servette in their play-off second leg. Thanks to a 2-0 win in the first leg, however, they qualified thanks to the aggregate result.

In addition to Chelsea, fellow British clubs Hearts, Larne, and The New Saints, from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales respectively, have also learnt their fates. TNS face a difficult trip to Fiorentina, while Larne's headline game comes against Gent. Hearts will play Copenhagen and Heidenheim in the league phase.

Chelsea will next be in action this weekend against Crystal Palace. Matchday One of the Conference League will take place on October 3.