The Champions League group stage is just around the corner.
Chelsea will face a quick turnaround when they return from this weekend's international break.
The Blues face Southampton on Saturday before then hosting Sevilla on Tuesday evening in their opening group stage game.
There are also some rule changes to prepare for in this season's competition.
Substitutes
In contrast to the Premier League, UEFA have retained the decision to allow clubs to make five substitutions in the competition.
The rule was first introduced in last season's knockout stages in Lisbon, with teams able to name 12 substitutes on the bench and introduce five players across three different spells.
This has been retained in order to reduce the effects of fatigue players may feel during a packed schedule.
“This is the right decision and a good first step to ease pressure on elite-level players,” UEFA general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann said (via BT Sport). “We will continue to push for further innovative ways to reduce their mounting workload and protect their health and performance.”
VAR
VAR usage in the Champions League is set to continue as was.
While the handball rule in the Premier League has caused havoc in recent weeks, it is expected to be similar in the Champions League.
The rule was enforced by IFAB in the Champions League last season, with the only change this season being the Premier League's decision to bring their interpretation of the law in line with the rest of Europe.
Referees will also continue to check VAR decisions on pitch-side monitors - something Premier League refs have made a conscious effort to do more of this season.
VAR will be available for the group stages of the Champions League.
Knockout stages
Last season saw the final knockout rounds of the Champions League played over one leg in an international tournament-style setting in Lisbon.
That was to make sure the competition was able to be completed after the coronavirus shutdown brought things to a shuddering halt.
Barring any further delays, this season will see the knockout stages revert back to two-legged ties played at clubs' home grounds.
