The upcoming Champions League match between Qarabag and Chelsea is generating significant excitement, with fans anticipating a tactical battle as both teams aim for crucial points in their European campaign.
Chelsea travel to Azerbaijan on Wednesday to face Qarabağ in the Champions League, aiming to secure a third successive victory in Europe’s elite competition.
The Blues, who have recently found impressive form, winning six of their last seven matches across all competitions, including a crucial 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on the weekend, are looking to consolidate their position in the league phase table, according to FotMob reporting.
The journey to Baku is approximately 2,500 miles, and manager Enzo Maresca is expected to rotate his squad heavily following the demanding Premier League schedule.
The anticipated lineup features several young players, with Liam Delap returning from suspension to lead the line. The predicted backline includes Filip Jörgensen in goal, protected by Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Jorrel Hato.
Andrey Santos and Roméo Lavia are tipped to start in the double pivot, providing cover for an attacking quartet featuring Estêvão, Enzo Fernández, and Jamie Gittens. High-profile injuries remain, with Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and Benoît Badiashile all sidelined.
Despite their strong run of form, Chelsea are not underestimating their opponents. Qarabağ, led by Gurban Gurbanov, have impressed this season, securing surprising league phase victories over both Benfica and Copenhagen.
Their main offensive threat is Cape Verde international Leandro Andrade, whose two goals in the competition lead the team’s scoring efforts.
Maresca spoke on the challenge, stating: “It is going to be a tough game for different reasons as a team they are a very good, they beat Benfica and Copenhagen and are a very intense team because of the way they press.
They have worked with the same manager for many, many years. They are more intense at home. It will be a tough game.”
The historical head-to-head record heavily favours the English side, who have won both previous meetings against Qarabağ by a combined score of 10-0 during the 2017-18 Champions League.
While the long journey and expected rotation will likely limit the goal tally, FotMob’s prediction suggests that “the Blues should saunter to a relatively comfortable victory despite their awkward journey to Baku.
Qarabağ have done themselves proud in Europe this season, but they are still no match for Chelsea.”