Qarabag Clash with Chelsea: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and Match Breakdown

Chelsea embark on an extensive journey to Azerbaijan this Wednesday for their Champions League encounter against Qarabağ.

The Blues have secured victory in six of their previous seven fixtures across all competitions, and aside from their setback at home against Sunderland, they have displayed remarkable form. Triumphs over Benfica and Ajax have occurred during their recent successful run, outcomes that have propelled them higher in the Champions League league phase standings following their initial defeat at Bayern Munich.

Azerbaijan isn't a typical destination for Chelsea's European adventures, though the Blues have previously encountered Qarabağ. They netted ten consecutive goals against them during the 2017–18 Champions League group stage, with another commanding victory anticipated this Wednesday.

Nevertheless, Qarabağ have caught many off guard this season. An impressive triumph over Benfica in their league phase debut was succeeded by a home victory against Copenhagen, and despite their loss at Athletic Club in their most recent outing, Gurban Gurbanov's squad has still achieved a remarkable beginning to their European journey.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the forthcoming Champions League fixture.

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Qarabağ vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (All Time)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Qarabağ vs. Chelsea on TV

Qarabag Team News

Qarabağ will be missing Ramil Sheydayev and Joni Montiel for Wednesday's match, though Gurbanov is expected to maintain most of the lineup that fell to Athletic Club in their previous European fixture.

The Azerbaijani side will depend heavily on the scoring ability and playmaking of Leandro Andrade, with the Cape Verde international having found the net against both Benfica and Athletic Club previously.

Qarabağ will also need an outstanding display from goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski, who is expected to face numerous challenges in Baku.

Qarabag Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea

Qarabağ predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarquliyev; Bicalho, Malinowski; Durán, Andrade, Zoubir; Akhundzade.

Chelsea Team News

Enzo Maresca is expected to make rotations in Baku, but he will be missing several key players. Cole Palmer represents the most significant injury concern, with Levi Colwill, Dário Essugo and Benoît Badiashile also sidelined. Mykhailo Mudryk remains temporarily suspended following a failed drug test and Pedro Neto is unavailable after picking up a "minor problem" over the weekend.

Lima Delap was absent from the victory at Tottenham Hotspur due to suspension, but has returned to availability and could feature in the starting eleven to give weekend hero João Pedro some deserved rest.

Moisés Caicedo, Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah are additional players likely to be rested to some degree, with the latter experiencing cramp during the triumph over Spurs.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Qarabag

Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Qarabağ (4-2-3-1): Jörgensen; Gusto, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Hato; Santos, Lavia; Estêvão, Fernández, Gittens; Delap.

Qarabağ vs. Chelsea Score Prediction

Maresca will implement changes from the weekend's triumph against Tottenham, though the extent of his rotation strategy remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the Blues should cruise to a fairly straightforward victory despite their challenging trip to Baku.

Qarabağ have exceeded expectations in Europe this season, but they remain outmatched against Chelsea. They haven't encountered opposition as formidable as the Blues thus far and could suffer a heavy defeat.

Prediction: Qarabağ 1–3 Chelsea