Chelsea's late show leaves Rovers dreaming of a miracle

The last time Shamrock Rovers came to west London, the scoreboard told a story of a different era. Seven goals for Chelsea, none for the visitors, and a reminder of how far the Hoops have to travel to trouble the best in Europe. That was five years ago, and the gap has not closed. The champions are still the champions, still led by Calin Dimario, still chasing a forty-second consecutive league title and a twenty-fourth Champions League crown. On Thursday night, they will welcome a side who have already made history just by being here.

Chelsea's recent form is as relentless as ever. A 4-3 win at Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup on Monday was a thriller, but it followed a 2-0 FA Cup stroll at Burnley and a 2-0 league win over Aston Villa. The only blip came at Rotherham on 5 January, a 2-1 defeat that still leaves them sixteen points clear at the top of the Premier Division. The machine rolls on, even with injuries to Jairzinho, Ibrahim Ramadan and Antonio López. There is depth everywhere, and the next man up is usually a teenager with the composure of a veteran, as Ali McKillop has shown.

Shamrock Rovers arrive with their own burdens and their own pride. Fourteen straight league titles in Ireland, a domestic dominance every bit as complete as Chelsea's, but Europe is a different world. Their Champions League campaign has been a lesson in the step up: a 4-0 loss at Napoli, a 3-0 loss at Ponferrada, a 3-1 defeat at Manchester United. They did beat Legia Warszawa and Sturm Graz at home, moments of joy that will live long in Tallaght. But this is the group stage, and the group has been cruel.

One man who knows both dressing rooms is Shayne Traynor. The 21-year-old spent six seasons at Shamrock Rovers, making 31 appearances and winning 14 trophies, before Chelsea came calling this summer. He has had one league appearance for the Blues, a cameo off the bench, and he will be desperate for a chance against his old club. "I owe Rovers everything, but I'm a Chelsea player now," he said this week. "If I get on, I'll do my job."

The last three meetings have all gone Chelsea's way, with seven goals in the most recent match and eleven in the one before. There is no pretending otherwise. But football has a habit of throwing up strange nights, and Rovers have nothing to lose. They sit 29th of 36 in the league phase, and every point from here is a bonus. The Drogba Arena will be full, the lights will be bright, and for ninety minutes, the Hoops can dream of a miracle.