Chelsea Set to Unleash Fresh Squad Against Qarabag in Champions League Showdown
Chelsea are looking to achieve their third consecutive European triumph when they travel to face Azerbaijani club Qarabağ in the Champions League this Wednesday.
The Blues embark on the roughly 2,500-mile journey to Baku having claimed victory in six of their previous seven fixtures across all competitions and are targeting another Champions League success. Following their opening defeat to Bayern Munich, Enzo Maresca's squad bounced back with home triumphs against Benfica and Ajax.
Chelsea claimed another vital win on Saturday by overcoming London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, though Maresca is anticipated to implement substantial alterations from the side that prevailed in north London.
Here's how Chelsea might set up against Qarabağ.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Qarabag (4-2-3-1)
GK: Filip Jörgensen—Jörgensen featured in Chelsea's commanding European triumph over ten-man Ajax and may receive another opportunity on Wednesday. He'll be hoping for an equally peaceful evening in Baku.
RB: Malo Gusto—Reece James, who was deployed in midfield once more at the weekend, will probably return to the substitutes' bench as his playing time remains carefully monitored, with Gusto taking the right-back position instead of the Chelsea skipper.
CB: Josh Acheampong—Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah started against Spurs, but both central defenders are expected to receive some rest at Qarabağ. Acheampong, who has largely impressed this campaign, will slot into the defensive core.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo—Adarabioyo delivered a questionable display in the Carabao Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and will look to redeem himself against Qarabağ, who have found the net in each of their three league phase encounters.
LB: Jorrel Hato—The adaptable youngster is currently vying with Marc Cucurella for a starting position, though that's a contest few defenders would prevail in considering the Spaniard's current form.
DM: Andrey Santos—Santos netted his maiden Chelsea goal last Wednesday against Wolves while also providing an assist in the thrilling 4–3 triumph. With Moisés Caicedo requiring rest when feasible, the Brazilian might earn another opportunity to showcase his abilities to Maresca.
DM: Roméo Lavia—Lavia's recent comeback from injury has arrived at a perfect moment for Chelsea considering their demanding fixture list, with the midfielder rarely disappointing when selected for the double pivot role.
RW: Estêvão—Established himself as Chelsea's youngest Champions League scorer against Ajax and will seek to add to his goal tally in Baku. The Brazilian thrills spectators whenever he takes the field with his pace and fearlessness.
AM: Enzo Fernández—With Cole Palmer remaining unavailable due to injury, Fernández might be deployed in an attacking midfield position again on Wednesday. Nevertheless, Maresca could be inclined to give the Argentine some rest.
LW: Jamie Gittens—Gittens struck a spectacular goal at Wolves last week before squandering a clear chance against Spurs. That perfectly encapsulates his Chelsea journey thus far, with the Englishman eager to establish some reliability.
ST: Liam Delap—Delap was absent at the weekend due to suspension and will be fully refreshed for the Azerbaijan trip as a consequence. He'll be keen to score his first goal since recovering from injury against Qarabağ.
