Antonio Conte’s Chelsea make the lengthy trip to Azerbaijan looking to pick up 3 crucial points in the pursuit of qualification from the group stages of the Champions League. Qarabag have defied the pre-season predictions of many and with the exception of a hefty defeat to Chelsea on match day 1, have acquitted themselves very well in this season’s competition.
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
ChelseaFK Qarabag
Azerbaijan’s Champions FK Qarabag defied the odds to qualify for the group stages and have more than held their own in a tricky group. Back to back draws with Atletico Madrid will give them confidence against a Chelsea side who’ve struggled to impose themselves in this year’s competition. Their defence was won many plaudits this season but former Birmingham City Michel is integral to their success and has scored in the competition already this season.
Chelsea
The Blues have had an inconsistent start to the season, both domestically and in Europe. They sit 9 points off Manchester City in the Premier League in what has been a stop-start defence of their title. Impressive performances against Qarabag on match day 1 and Atletico on match day 2 have been followed up by only taking one point off Roma – from 2 games – including a 3-0 thumping at the Stadio Olympico. Alvaro Morata has impressed for the Blues this term – scoring 7 goals since his summer move from Real Madrid.
Head to Head
FK Qarabag’s inexperience at Champions League level was exposed in their opening game – against Chelsea – where they were comprehensively thumped 6-0 at Stamford Bridge. That was the first ever meeting between the two sides who can both still mathematically qualify from Group C.
Odds and Predictions
FK Qarabag have only managed 2 goals in their 4 Champions League games so far this term.
Both teams to score – NO – looks a strong bet at 3/4 with Ladbrokes.
Alvaro Morata scored the winner against Manchester United last time out and looks in good form.
Alvaro Morata to score anytime looks great value at 9/11 with Uni Bet.
With so much to play to for – the game could be decided by a mistake or moment of brilliance.
Under 2.5 goals in the game is a valuable punt at Evens with Bet 365.
FK Qarabag have received a red card in their last 2 Champions League matches.
A red card to be shown in the match looks an intelligent bet at 5/2 with Paddy Power.
Score Prediction
FK Qarabag 0 – 2 Chelsea – 6/1 with Bet Victor.
Top Betting Tip
With so much to play for – particularly for Chelsea – this promises to be a tight match but the Blues should have too much quality. Chelsea to win the match and keep a clean sheet pays a healthy 2.52 – as double – with Bet Bright.