Chelsea handed favourable Europa League draw

Chelsea have been handed a favourable draw for the group stages of the Europa League.

The Premier League giants are in the competition after only finishing in fifth place in the top flight last season, but the Blues will be pleased with their draw.

Maurizio Sarri's side have been handed games against PAOK - who finished second in Greece last year - and Belarusian champions BATE Borisov.

Chelsea will also play Hungarian side Videoton, who lost out to AEK Athens in the playoff round for the Champions League.

The first matchday will take place on September 20.