Qarabag vs Chelsea preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

This fixture is essential for the London club, as a victory would push them further towards securing an automatic spot in the knockout rounds.

Qarabag, on the other hand, have started well in the competition, but they will need to get back to winning ways after their disappointing performance in their previous game.

Qarabag are one of the best teams this season in their domestic league in Azerbaijan and have also secured several important wins in Europe this season.

The Baku side is extremely difficult to defeat on their home soil due to the long travel distance for opponents and the hostile atmosphere created by their supporters.

They will be looking to make it two wins at home in this competition and get back to winning ways after their 3-1 loss against Athletic Bilbao.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have recently shown somewhat inconsistent form in the Premier League. However, they claimed a narrow 1-0 away victory over Tottenham last weekend.

They are currently brimming with confidence following their win against Tottenham at the weekend and their 5-1 thrashing of Ajax in their last European outing.

Manager Enzo Maresca will be pushing for his team to secure a spot in the top eight and they will need a win against Qarabag to put themselves in a pole position. However, the challenge for Chelsea will be managing potential player fatigue for this game.

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The two clubs have only met twice before in a competitive game, during the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League group stage.

Chelsea secured convincing victories in both matches, with a 6-0 thrashing at Stamford Bridge and followed that with a dominant 4-0 demolition in the return fixture in Baku.

Despite this history of heavy Chelsea dominance, Qarabag are a much-improved team today and will be a difficult side to defeat in this game.

Ahead of this clash, Gurban Gurbanov will likely be without Camilo Duran, who is doubtful due to a knock. Although he could feature in this game if he passes a late fitness test.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to rotate his side heavily to keep his squad fresh to avoid more injuries.

The Blues are currently facing a significant injury crisis, with several key players sidelined. Benoit Badiashile is out with a knock, while Cole Palmer is struggling with a groin injury. Dario Essugo is recovering from a thigh injury, and Levi Colwill is nursing a cruciate ligament injury.

Qarabag (4-2-3-1): Kochalski – Matheus Silva, Medina, Mustafazadə, Leandro Andrade – Kady, Pedro Bicalho – Axundzadə, Zoubir, Durán – Cəfərquliyev

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez – Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella – James, Caicedo – Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho – Joao Pedro

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Chelsea possess superior quality in both attack and defence and will be looking to continue their impressive run against Qarabag.

We expect the English side to get a comfortable win despite the form of the home team and the game will also produce a lot of goals.