Chelsea’s Champions League fate was sealed yesterday with the group stage draw held in Monaco, where the Premier League champions were handed a difficult group alongside Atletico Madrid, Roma and Qarabag.

Clashes with both Atletico and Roma will be a stern test of Antonio Conte’s side, particularly as the Blues continue to hold a lack of squad depth following significant summer exits, and Chelsea will need to be at their best to emerge victorious.

Whilst the draw could have been worse, it’s certainly not an easy task for Chelsea by any stretch of the imagination and the fixtures against Atletico and Roma will have a decisive say on how the Blues’ season pans out.

Chelsea are fortunate to start their campaign against Azerbaijani minnows Qarabag, allowing the Blues to provide themselves with a bumper over their rivals, but the fact that a trip to Madrid to face Atletico lands in between difficult clashes of Stoke City and Manchester City will raise concerns.

Conte’s side host Roma between clashes against Crystal Palace and Watford, both of which are favourable matches for the Blues, but their return clash in Rome takes place ahead of a crucial clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge- potentially a title deciding clash.

A trip to Azerbaijan is a match where Chelsea can afford no slip-ups, and that match also comes ahead of a crucial clash with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, whilst the final clash of the group, at home against Atletico Madrid, arrives after a hosting of Newcastle United and ahead of a trip to West Ham.

Chelsea’s Champions League scheduling may have been kinder but it could have also been a lot worse, as shown by Tottenham’s horrendous run at the end of October, and it’s a chance for Chelsea to prove their worth.

The Blues were fortunate last season to not have to balance involvement in other competitions whilst they battled for the Premier League title success, and they’ll need to shown significant improvements this season if they are to be a force across all competitions.