Chelsea travel to Azerbaijan next week in order to take on FK Qarabag, with a win for the English team sending them through to the knockout phase of this season’s Champions League. However, with the home side having already shown that they are no pushover at this level, Antonio Conte and his players will have to be somewhere near their best in order to pick up all three points.
Champions League – Bakı Olimpiya Stadionu, Baku– Wednesday 22nd November – 17:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 7/2 at PaddyPower |
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Qarabag FK
ChelseaMatch Preview
FK Qarabag host reigning Premier League winners Chelsea at the Baki Olimpiya Stadionu next week, with the visitors looking to recover from their defeat in Italy last time around in the Champions League. Despite having already beaten their Azerbaijani opponents during the first round of matches, Chelsea know that an away encounter with Qarabag will be significantly more difficult, with the home side having earned consecutive draws with former finalists Atletico Madrid over recent weeks.
FK Qarabag Team News & Form
Qarabag come into this match off the back of two successive draws with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, leaving them on two points in the Group C standings. Manager Gurban Gurbanov has led hide to the top of the table domestically, with Qarabag having lost just one of their 11 games so far this season. However, having scored just two goals in the Champions League, the home side will be looking to improve their performances in the final third when they take on Chelsea in front of their home supporters. South African striker Dino Ndlovu should return to the starting line-up after missing out against Atletico last time out due to suspension, while the likes of Michel and Tarik Elyounoussi are among the most talented players for the home side.
Chelsea Team News & Form
Having beaten Manchester United in the English Premier League before the international break, Chelsea will head to Azerbaijan full of confidence, with a win over Qarabag securing their place in the knockout stage of the Champions League. Striker Alvaro Morata has been in fine form for both club and country over recent weeks, with the Spaniard almost certain to line up in an attacking role, alongside the likes of Eden Hazard and Pedro. Chelsea’s only defeat in the competition so far came against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico last time around, with the West London based club still having work to do in Group C.
Head to Head
The two teams have met just once in the past, coming at Stamford Bridge earlier on this season. With Chelsea having come out on top by six goals to nil, it comes as little surprise that it is Antonio Conte’s side who are the favourites for victory once again.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their position in Group C, it comes as little surprise that it is Chelsea who are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The English can be backed at odds of 4/11 with Ladbrokes, while the same bookmaker has the home side at a price of 15/2.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Chelsea to keep a clean sheet in Azerbaijan, which is available at odds of 5/6 with Ladbrokes.