Key occasions
The Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium is known as after what we in England for many years known as “the Russian linesman” from the 1966 World Cup remaining. He was, in fact, from Azerbaijan, again then a part of the USSR.
Baku's different stadium was the place Chelsea received the Europa League, with Eden Hazard waving goodbye to the membership, and sadly his profession. What a participant he was, by the best way.
Krishna will get in contact: “Chelsea that includes a James, aJesus and a Mar(c)ok nearly makes this journey resemble a center age campaign. Hope it doesn't finish in a crucifixion for the guests.”
Gurban Gurbanov was Qarabag's supervisor again in September 2017, when an Antonio Conte-led Blues equalled received 6-0 on this competitors. Gurbanov has been in cost since 2008. Chelsea have had 14 managers since, and that doesn't take note of interim returns from Guus Hiddink and Frank Lampard. There was Rafa Benitez, too.
Seven adjustments from the weekend's win at Tottenham for Chelsea, although nonetheless loads of expertise with Reece James, Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella within the crew. Loads of eyes on Tyrique George, Jamie Gittens and Estevao. Andrey Santos, too.
Qarabag FK: Kochalski, Matheus Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Cafarquliyev, Pedro Bicalho, Jankovic, Andrade, Borges, Zoubir, Duran. Subs: Mahammadaliyev, Buntic, Mmaee, Kouakou, Akhundzade, Addai, Daniel, Kashchuk, Bayramov, Abbas Huseynov, Cabrayilzada, Badavi Huseynov.
Chelsea: Sanchez, James, Hato, Adarabioyo, Cucurella, Lavia, Santos, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Bynoe-Gittens, George. Subs: Jorgensen, Merrick, Fernandez, Delap, Chalobah, Caicedo, Gusto, Fofana, Acheampong, Guiu, Buonanotte, Garnacho.
Referee: Sebastian Gishamer (Austria)
Really feel the size of that desk. Each of those groups are on observe to achieve the final 16 and not using a play-off as we flip for house.
Jacob Steinberg is our man in Baku. Right here's his scene-setter.
Preamble
Baku levels one other matinee for the European Champions League with Chelsea the most recent to journey hundreds of miles to Azerbaijan. Qarabag aren't any mugs, as they proved in successful their opening two matches, beating Benfica and FC Copenhagen. Chelsea are in respectable type, their legs shouldn't be weighing too heavy after Saturday night's defeat of Tottenham. Nonetheless, it's been a fast turnaround, and so anticipate some Enzo Maresca tinkering in Azerbaijan.
It's a battle of thirteenth v fifteenth. Be part of me.
