Chelsea face Qarabag FK in a crucial Champions League clash tonight, with both teams level on six points in the group stage. Enzo Maresca’s side will look to extend their winning momentum after consecutive victories over Benfica and Ajax.
Key players are fit for Chelsea, while Qarabag report no injury concerns ahead of the match. The Blues’ confirmed travelling squad includes their star attackers, setting the stage for an intense battle in Baku.
Live updates, predicted lineups, and tactical previews suggest an entertaining encounter, with Chelsea favored but Qarabag capable of springing surprises at home.
- Qarabag FK faces Chelsea in a crucial Champions League clash, with both teams tied on six points in the group stage.
- Chelsea arrives with momentum after back-to-back home wins against Benfica and Ajax, while Qarabag looks to defend their strong home form.
- No major injury concerns for Qarabag, while Chelsea’s lineup remains under scrutiny with potential tactical adjustments from Enzo Maresca.
Qarabag FK vs Chelsea: Confirmed Starting Lineups and Tactical Analysis
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has opted for a rotated squad for their Champions League clash against Qarabag FK in Baku. The Blues are expected to field a 4-3-3 formation with several key players rested ahead of their crucial Premier League fixtures. Qarabag, currently leading the Azerbaijan Premier League, will counter with their signature 4-2-3-1 setup.
The most notable inclusion for Chelsea is young academy product Jorrel Hato making his first Champions League start at left-back. Qarabag’s danger man Juninho remains their primary attacking threat, having scored in each of their last three European matches.
Key Injuries and Suspensions That Could Impact the Match
Chelsea will be without their first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who suffered a shoulder injury in training. Backup keeper Lucas Bergström gets his Champions League debut in a baptism of fire. Qarabag’s defensive stalwart Maksim Medvedev is suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
Players Missing for Chelsea
- Edouard Mendy (shoulder injury)
- Ben Chilwell (hamstring)
- Carney Chukwuemeka (ankle)
Players Missing for Qarabag
- Maksim Medvedev (suspension)
- Elvin Cafarquliyev (knee injury)
The absence of Medvedev could prove crucial as Qarabag’s defense has looked vulnerable without their captain organizing the backline.
Live Score Updates and Where to Watch the Match
The match kicks off at 17:45 GMT at Tofik Bakhramov Stadium in Baku. For viewers in the UK, the game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, while Paramount+ holds the rights in the United States. The temperature at kickoff is expected to be around 12°C with minimal wind – perfect conditions for football.
Live score updates will be available through UEFA’s official Champions League app and major sports websites. The match is crucial for both teams’ hopes of progressing from the league phase, with Chelsea currently level on points with Qarabag in Group C.
Expert Predictions: Will Chelsea Overcome the Travel Fatigue?
Most pundits are predicting a narrow Chelsea victory despite the extensive travel. The 5,000-mile round trip to Azerbaijan has historically been challenging for English clubs, but Chelsea’s superior squad depth should see them through.
| Prediction Source | Scoreline | Key Player |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Mole | 2-1 Chelsea | Cole Palmer |
| ESPN | 3-1 Chelsea | Nicolas Jackson |
| Standard | 2-2 Draw | Juninho (Qarabag) |
Head-to-Head History and Previous Encounters
Chelsea and Qarabag have met twice before in European competition, both during the 2017-18 Champions League group stage. The Blues won both matches comfortably (4-0 away and 6-0 at home), but this Qarabag side is significantly stronger than their predecessors.
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2Festevao-and-jorrel-hato-celebrate-a-chelsea-goal-on-october-22-2025-sebastian-frej-6908c35ca7832956401770.jpg)
The Azerbaijani champions have since established themselves as regulars in European competitions, reaching the Europa League knockout stages three times in the past five seasons.
How Chelsea’s New Signings Are Adapting to Champions League Football
Estevao and Jorrel Hato, Chelsea’s summer acquisitions, have been gradually integrated into the first team. Their performances in Baku could determine whether Chelsea can secure three valuable away points.
Estevao has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited appearances, while Hato’s defensive maturity belies his young age. Both players face their toughest test yet against Qarabag’s experienced attacking unit.
Post-Match Reactions and What’s Next for Both Teams
Regardless of the result, both managers are expected to face questions about their team selections and tactics. Chelsea have a quick turnaround before hosting Manchester United, while Qarabag can focus on domestic duties until the next European matchday.
The match could have significant implications for the group standings, with both teams currently level on points. A win for either side would put them in strong position to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Chelsea better not underestimate Qarabag. That 5000-mile trip is brutal and rotation could backfire. Maresca’s squad depth will be tested. 😬
Depth? We’ve got kids and bench warmers. This isn’t ‘rotation’ – it’s surrender.
Jorgensen starting again in UCL? Bold choice after that shaky performance last time. Hope he proves me wrong 🤞
Who cares about lineups? Just win and get out of Azerbaijan in one piece. The prem is all that matters.
Spoken like someone who’s never seen Chelsea lift the big ears. Every UCL game counts.
Big ears? We’re fighting for top 4, not trophies. Wake up.
Qarabag’s home record is no joke. Chelsea’s defense better be ready for a scrap. This won’t be another 6-0.