Get ready for a thrilling clash as Chelsea gears up to face Qarabag in Baku, but here’s where it gets tricky: with Wolves looming on the horizon, manager Maresca faces a delicate balancing act. Can he prioritize the league while avoiding an upset in Azerbaijan? This is the part most people miss—Qarabag’s home ground advantage at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium could turn this into a far tougher test than expected. Maresca’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday will shed light on his squad’s fitness concerns, but one thing’s clear: long-term injuries to Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Dario Essugo mean their absence is a given. Now, let’s dive into the lineup debate: will Maresca opt for Robert Sanchez or Filip Jorgensen between the sticks? And who gets the nod at right-back—Malo Gusto or Reece James? But here’s the controversial twist: both Gusto and James could theoretically slot into central midfield, though Chelsea’s depth in that area might make it an unnecessary gamble. Andrey Santos has already hinted at his starting role during the presser, adding another layer of intrigue. Chelsea’s predicted XI (4-2-3-1) looks like this: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Acheampong, Cucurella; Lavia, Santos; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Delap. Neto remains a doubt, while Palmer joins the injury list alongside the long-term absentees. Mark your calendars for 5:45pm BST on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, and tune into TNT Sports to catch all the action. But here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Is Maresca underestimating Qarabag by potentially resting key players, or is he playing the long game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one match where strategy and surprises could collide in spectacular fashion!
