Chelsea He faces the unenviable task of traveling almost 3,000 miles from Stamford Bridge to the Tofik Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday to face Qarabag in the Champions League. This is an area where Copenhagen have already failed, but for Blues coach Enzo Maresca the challenge of organizing long trips to meet Premier League demands could also present an opportunity for younger players in the squad.
The Blues were able to capitalize on last season's Conference League action, but as competition increased, Maresca had to stick with his starting XI for Champions League games. Bye Karabakh This is not a team he can ignore, this should be the time when the Blues can rotate while still retaining all three points.
How to watch Chelsea vs Qarabag match, odds
- Date: Wednesday, November 5 | Time: 12:45 pm ET
- Location: Republican Stadium named after Tofig Bahramov – Baku, Azerbaijan.
- Live broadcast: Paramount+
- Chances: Karabakh +800; Draw +440; Chelsea-310
Chelsea's strikers started the season well, but to no avail. Cole Palmerthe attack cooled down. Joao Perdo has been the best player in the group, scoring six goals in all competitions, but when he can play alongside another striker, it's important to keep an eye on those behind him.
Performance of Chelsea forwards in all competitions
|
João Pedro |
24 |
12 |
969 |
3 |
3.44 |
3 |
|
Tirik George |
19 |
8 |
395 |
3 |
1.98 |
1 |
|
Marco Giu |
19 |
4 |
182 |
1 |
1.25 |
0 |
|
Liam Delap |
22 |
4 |
118 |
0 |
.23 |
0 |
A pair of 19-year-olds, Tyrique Georges and Marc Guiou, stand out here due to their production in limited minutes. Guiu was almost not in the team this season, as he was loaned out Sunderlandbut he was recalled when Nicholas Jackson was loaned out Bayern Munich on the September transfer deadline day. This match could be a chance for one of them to start and show Maresca why they should be in the lineup regularly.
Liam Delap had a good run at the Club World Cup, but he was still sidelined with a hamstring injury. Both Georges and Guyou were given limited minutes last season but are already looking for more as the Blues look to return to the Champions League and Premier League places. Based on performance, George should be slightly ahead of Giu as to who will start on Wednesday, but both give Maresca good problems.
Chelsea's search for a number nine has been agonizing since Diego Costa terrorized defenses at Stamford Bridge, but the Blues may just have the strikers of the future in their squad if George and Giou can use their limited minutes to their advantage.
