Chelsea travel to Azerbaijan for a crucial Champions League match against Qarabağ on Wednesday.
Surprisingly, both clubs are level on six points in the league stage table. Consequently, this match is pivotal for their qualification hopes. The Blues arrive full of confidence. This is because they thrashed Ajax 5-1 on matchday three. However, Qarabağ have been the surprise package of the tournament so far. Furthermore, they are notoriously strong at home.
Qarabağ vs Chelsea – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025
- Kick-off: 5:45 pm GMT
- Venue: Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, Baku
- Referee: Sebastian Gishamer (AUT)
- VAR: Manuel Schuettengruber (AUT)
- Last Meeting: Qarabağ 0-4 Chelsea, 22 November 2017, UEFA Champions League
Team News
Qarabağ
The Azerbaijani champions face a couple of selection issues. First, they are missing key midfielder Marko Janković, who is ruled out with an injury. Furthermore, forward Camilo Durán is a doubt after picking up a knock. He will face a late assessment. In their absence, Yassine Benzia and Juninho are expected to provide the creative spark in attack.
Chelsea
Chelsea will be without Pedro Neto for their Champions League trip to Qarabag, as the winger is being rested due to a minor issue. Manager Enzo Maresca is expected to rotate his squad heavily for the long flight. Striker Liam Delap is available again after serving his suspension, but the Blues remain without the injured Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, and Dario Essugo. Badiashile is the closest of that group to a return and could be available after the international break.
Form Guide
Qarabağ
Qarabağ have been one of the biggest surprises of the league phase. Impressively, they have already collected six points from their opening three games. This run includes a shock win away at Benfica. Although they lost to Athletic Club in their last European outing, their home form is strong. In fact, they remain unbeaten in their last six home matches in all competitions.
Chelsea
Chelsea have recovered well from their opening-day loss to Bayern Munich. Since then, they have secured back-to-back Champions League wins over Benfica and Ajax. They also arrive with domestic confidence. This follows a tough 1-0 London derby victory against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Predicted Lineups
Possible Qarabağ starting XI: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Bicalho, Borges; Duran, Andrade, Zoubir; Akhundzade
Possible Chelsea starting XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Gittens; Delap
How to watch Qarabağ vs Chelsea?
Fans in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2. Coverage is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm GMT.
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