Krishna gets in touch: “Chelsea featuring a James, aJesus and a Mar(c)k almost makes this journey resemble a middle age crusade. Hope it does not end in a crucifixion for the visitors.”
Gurban Gurbanov was Qarabag’s manager back in September 2017, when an Antonio Conte-led Blues equalled won 6-0 in this competition. Gurbanov has been in charge since 2008. Chelsea have had 14 managers since, and that doesn’t take into account interim returns from Guus Hiddink and Frank Lampard. There was Rafa Benitez, too.
Seven changes from the weekend’s win at Tottenham for Chelsea, though still plenty of experience with Reece James, Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella in the team. Plenty 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.
