3 days Ago By [email protected] (Mark McCadden)
Shamrock Rovers have done the hard work of securing a history-making qualification for the knockout rounds in this unforgettable Europa Conference League campaign. But they don’t plan on playing the role of star-struck whipping boys when they take on high-flying Premier League giants Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. The Hoops are unbeaten in five games so far - one of just three sides to boast such a record - and know they can still clinch an incredible top-eight finish.
READ MORE: Stephen Bradley says son’s cancer treatment is number one priority as he reacts to Millwall interest READ MORE: Huge police presence for Chelsea v Shamrock Rovers as figures dwarf Spurs v Manchester United That would see them skip February's play-off round and head straight into the last-16. But they would either need to win against Chelsea to secure that - or hope that results elsewhere go for them. Either way, Stephen Bradley’s men have gone further than any Irish side in the history of European competition and their journey doesn’t end on Thursday night.
Here are the key details surrounding the Hoops’ visit to London. Stamford Bridge will host Shamrock Rovers’ clash with Chelsea. The game kicks off at 8pm.
The game will be live on Premier Sports in Ireland. Chelsea are overwhelming favourites, with odds of between 1/18 to 1/25, while Shamrock Rovers are as high as 35/1 with some bookmakers. Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley: “This is such a big club and team and we’ll have 3000 fans to enjoy the night.
That’s why we’re in the game, to give people connected to the club special memories. “(Tonight) they’ll enjoy every moment. I spoke to a couple of fans during the week that have had really bad news on the health front.
All the wanted to speak about getting to Stamford Bridge with his son to make it a special memory. He’ll experience something that’s there forever and it’s special. “When you put all that in context, it has to be up there.
” Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca: “We are going to try to approach always in the same way, try to do our best and win the game,” said Maresca, ahead of the Stamford Bridge clash. “I think football today there is no team with no strength, all the teams, they have something good, and some things that you can work on to win the game. “I watched four or five games and I think they are a good team, they try to defend as a bloc, and they have some good players in general.
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