Match Preview
Chelsea head to the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium on Wednesday trying to lengthen their profitable run within the Champions League to 3 video games.
Enzo Maresca’s aspect have recovered effectively since their opening loss away to Bayern Munich, responding with back-to-back dwelling victories over Benfica and Ajax.
One other win in Baku would additional push their qualification hopes, notably in opposition to opponents who’ve struggled traditionally in opposition to English opposition.
Qarabag have misplaced all seven of their European conferences with golf equipment from England, failing to attain within the final six of these fixtures.
Veteran coach Gurban Gurbanov has guided Qarabag to 2 Champions League wins this season, however this fixture represents their hardest take a look at but.
The Azerbaijani champions haven’t overwhelmed an English aspect in Europe and have been closely defeated by Chelsea the final time the 2 golf equipment met within the 2017-18 group stage, dropping 6-0 at Stamford Bridge and 4-0 at dwelling.
Nonetheless, current victories over Benfica and Copenhagen have supplied a morale increase. Qarabag have scored in every of their three European matches to this point, a 3-2 win over Benfica, a 2-0 triumph in opposition to Copenhagen, and a 3-1 defeat away to Athletic Membership.
The guests, in the meantime, arrive in excessive spirits after a gradual run of type. Since their disappointing begin in Munich, they’ve claimed a slim 1-0 win over Benfica and a dominant 5-1 success in opposition to Ajax, helped by an early purple card to Kenneth Taylor.
A 1-0 league win in opposition to Tottenham on the weekend continued their optimistic run, and Maresca’s staff can be assured of securing their first away European victory of the marketing campaign.
Workforce information for Qarabag v Chelsea
Qarabag can be with out ahead Ramil Sheydayev, who was not included of their Champions League squad. Joni Montiel made his long-awaited return with a quick look on the weekend however is ineligible for Wednesday’s conflict.
Abdellah Zoubir, recent from a purpose and help in home motion in opposition to Imisli, is predicted to be key on the left flank, whereas Leandro Andrade, their main scorer in Europe with objectives in opposition to Benfica and Athletic Membership, stays a significant attacking menace.
Chelsea proceed to handle a number of absences. Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile and Dario Essugo are nonetheless sidelined, and Mykhaylo Mudryk stays suspended following his anti-doping violation.
Joao Pedro, who netted the winner in opposition to Tottenham, is obtainable once more after serving his Champions League suspension for a purple card in opposition to Benfica.
Younger striker Liam Delap might make his European debut after recovering from a thigh harm, whereas Estevao might return to the beginning lineup following a substitute look on the weekend. E
nzo Maresca might additionally hand Moises Caicedo a relaxation, with Romeo Lavia in line for extra minutes in midfield.
Anticipated line-ups for Qarabag v Chelsea
Qarabag: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Bicalho, Borges; Duran, Andrade, Zoubir; Akhundzade
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Gittens; Guiu
Tips on how to watch Qarabag v Chelsea: TV channel, on-line stream
The match will happen on the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday night.
Kick-off is at 5:45pm within the UK and is obtainable to look at dwell on TNT Sports activities, with dwell streaming accessible by way of Discovery+ and the TNT Sports activities app.
The stats for Qarabag v Chelsea
- Qarabag have by no means overwhelmed an English membership in European competitors (P7, L7)
- They’ve failed to attain of their final six conferences with Premier League sides
- Chelsea have scored 10 objectives throughout their final two Champions League matches
- The Blues have gained on each earlier visits to Baku
- Qarabag have scored in all three of their group-stage video games to this point
Prediction
Qarabag’s attacking type suggests they might discover the online in opposition to a Chelsea aspect that has proven occasional defensive lapses.
Nevertheless, the guests’ superior high quality ought to see them management the competition comfortably. Anticipate Maresca’s staff to report a convincing away win and take one other step towards the competitors’s prime eight.
Prediction: Qarabag 1-4 Chelsea
