Get ready for an exciting clash as Chelsea FC takes on Qarabag! The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, but it's not without its challenges and controversies.
Maresca, Chelsea's head coach, is preparing his team for a tricky opponent. With Wolves' recent managerial change, Maresca knows his side must be ready for the unexpected. But here's where it gets interesting: Qarabag, a team with the potential to cause an upset, will be hosting Chelsea at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku.
As of now, Maresca has some key decisions to make regarding his starting XI. He'll provide more insights during his press conference at Chelsea's Cobham training ground on Tuesday afternoon.
Unfortunately, long-term injuries keep Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Dario Essugo out of the picture.
In goal, it's a choice between Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, while at right-back, Malo Gusto and Reece James are in contention. Both players offer versatility, as they can also slot into central midfield. However, Chelsea has other solid options in that area.
Andrey Santos, who spoke at the pre-match presser, is expected to start.
Here's a predicted Chelsea XI in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Acheampong, Cucurella; Lavia, Santos; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Delap.
There's a doubt over Neto's involvement, and the injured list includes Palmer, Colwill, Badiashile, and Essugo.
Mark your calendars for this highly anticipated match: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 5:45 pm BST. The venue? Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Baku. You can catch all the action live on TNT Sports.
So, who do you think will shine for Chelsea in this encounter? And are there any players you'd like to see given a chance? Let's discuss in the comments!