Shamrock Rovers face the biggest challenge of their UEFA Conference League group stage, but at a huge cost.

The Hoops travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in their final group game with a place in the play-offs already in the bag.

However, a win in London would be enough to secure a place in the top eight and thus direct entry into the round of 16. For Chelsea, one point would be enough to secure group victory for the hosts due to their strong performance on goal difference.

Rovers and Chelsea are one of only three teams still unbeaten in the competition, but the squad strength and resources available to coach Enzo Maresca mean the Blues are on par with any team the Hoops have ever faced are.

Bookmakers have the odds of Rovers winning at 35/1, but coach Stephen Bradley is relishing the challenge of testing his team against the two-time Champions League winners.

“They are one of the best teams in Europe, one of the most in-form teams ever, they score goals for fun, I understand that,” said Bradley.

“But that’s what you want. We’ll game plan and see what happens and where it takes us.”

“We have put ourselves in a position as fans and players to enjoy the occasion. We’re going to focus and do what we can, but we know what we’re dealing with.”

Bradley is unlikely to make too many changes from the team that beat Borac 3-0 last time out and could name the same starting XI. Rory Gaffney and Aaron McEneff remain on the injured list but Rovers are otherwise in good health.

The competition’s top scorer, Johnny Kenny, will once again be at the forefront, as will Neil Farrugia. Both players are likely to bid farewell to Rovers after the game.

Farrugia will be out of contract after the Chelsea game and his future has yet to be decided, while Kenny is close to being recalled to his parent club Celtic after his loan spell expires.

Bradley has made no secret of his desire to extend Kenny’s tenure at the club, but he too has been linked with a move away from Tallaght, with Championship side Millwall reportedly keen to talk to him about the vacant managerial position.

With so much at stake for Rovers, Chelsea manager Maresca isn’t taking things for granted against the Dubliners and admitted he was impressed by what he’s seen from them in Europe this season.

“I’ve seen four or five games and I think they’re a good team,” he said. “They try to defend as a block overall and they have some good players in general.”

“I’m pretty sure all the games are pretty difficult.

“It depends on us how we approach the game, whether it will be a little easier or more difficult. But it will definitely be another game that we will try to win.”

The Chelsea manager has relied on a mix of youth and squad players throughout the competition and is unlikely to deviate from that approach against Rovers. He admitted he will rest key players ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Everton.

“We’ve been trying to change players from the start and tomorrow is probably another option for that. I have often said that I know my expectations of the way we play and also the results.”

Starting players could include Joao Felix and Romeo Lavia, who missed their side’s 2-1 win over Brentford at the weekend, while highly-rated youngster Josh Acheampong will most likely start in defense along with Tosin Adarabioyo.

Marc Cucurella could also feature as he serves a Premier League suspension at the weekend.

Follow a live blog of Chelsea v Shamrock Rovers (8pm) on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app