Chelsea have bounced back from defeat against Bayern Munich in their opening League Phase match with back-to-back Champions League wins over Benfica and Ajax.
The Blues now make the long journey to the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan looking to make it three victories in a row in all competitions when they visit Qarabag, who have been a surprise package so far with a pair of wins over Benfica and Copenhagen.
This clash will kick off at 17:45 on Wednesday, November 5 and will be available to watch in the UK and Ireland on TNT Sports 2.
These two teams have met in the Champions League before, with Chelsea winning the 2017/18 group games between the two by respective scorelines of 6-0 and 4-0 so the visitors will be favourites to win this one.
Chelsea Predicted XI vs Qarabag
Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Gusto, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Garnacho; Guiu.
- Enhanced Offers
- Request A Bet Feature
- Vast selection of sports markets
#AD 18+ New customers only. £10 minimum deposit. First single, e/w or multiples bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 x £10 bet tokens for Football BuildABets only. 2 x £10 bet tokens for Football Accas only. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free Bets are non-withdrawable. Free Bets expire after 7 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.
- Enhanced Offers
- Exceptional Mobile App
- Fun Social Media Content
#AD 18+ New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on Football on odds of min 1.5 (1/2), get £50 in Free Bet Builders after the qualifying bet has been settled. Rewards valid for 90 days. Only deposits via Pay by Bank, cards & Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.
Chelsea team news vs Qarabag
Chelsea remain without long-term absentees Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile and Dario Essugo, while Cole Palmer is not expected back until the start of December.
Pedro Neto is also a doubt after coming off in the 1-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday with cramp, with the winger not seen in training since.
Joao Pedro returns from the suspension he received after being sent off against Benfica and is likely to feature while Liam Delap’s domestic suspension does not apply in this one and he could play his first ever Champions League game.
Enzo Maresca may look to rotate considering their busy schedule, with the likes of Reece James, Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez potential candidates to be rested. Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto and Filip Jorgensen could benefit from that rotation.
Caicedo a man in form for Blues
Moises Caicedo has been Chelsea’s standout player this season and he was so again when his team took on rivals Tottenham at the weekend.
The former Brighton midfielder registered the assist for the only goal of the game as he physically dominated the Spurs midfield. The Ecuadorian now has four goals and an assist in all competitions this season, already matching his tally for goal involvements from the whole of the 2024/25 campaign.
With Palmer injured it has been Caicedo’s ball-winning and positivity in midfield that have been key to the Blues’ recent success, they have won six of their last seven games in all competitions.
His midfield partner Fernandez was effusive in his praise after the Tottenham game, saying “He’s a very humble, hard-working guy, who always gives his all for the team every day. I’m very happy to have him at Chelsea; he’s a machine. I hope it continues like this.”
With the visit of Wolves waiting on Saturday, Maresca may choose to limit Caicedo’s involvement in this game, but if he does feature, he is sure to have a big impact.
