The revamped group stage will see a single 36-team league in which each side faces six different opponents (three at home and three away).

At the end of the group stage, the top eight clubs advance directly to the round of 16. Sides that finish from ninth to 24th then contest the knockout round play-offs to earn their spot among the final 16.

The draw for the group stage took place yesterday and pitted Chelsea at home to Gent, Shamrock Rovers and FC Noah. Our away matches take place against Heidenheim, FC Astana and Panathinaikos.

UEFA have since confirmed the dates and UK kick-off times for each fixture, which are as follows...

Thursday, 3 October
Chelsea vs Gent
Kick-off: 8pm

Thursday, 24 October
Panathinaikos vs Chelsea
Kick-off: 5.45pm

Thursday, 7 November
Chelsea vs FC Noah
Kick-off: 8pm

Thursday, 28 November
Heidenheim vs Chelsea
Kick-off: 5.45pm

Thursday, 12 December
FC Astana vs Chelsea
Kick-off: 3.30pm

Thursday, 19 December
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers
Kick-off: 8pm.