Qarabag will take on Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, 5 November, in a match between two teams currently locked together on six points in the league table.
The hosts have performed better than expected in the competition so far, but the visit of Chelsea is their biggest test so far.
The Blues, meanwhile, will see this match as a must-win fixture in their pursuit of a top-eight finish.
As part of this week's round of Champions League betting tips, check out our Qarabag vs Chelsea prediction below.
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Qarabag vs Chelsea prediction: The visitors to run riot
Key Stats
- Chelsea won their last Champions League match by a margin of four goals.
- Qarabag lost their last Champions League match by a margin of two goals.
- Joao Pedro ended his eight-game goal drought by scoring against Tottenham at the weekend.
Correct score prediction: Qarabag 0-3 Chelsea
Chelsea have a significantly stronger, deeper and more expensive squad than their opponents this week. In truth, this is a mismatch, and I fully expect the Blues to flex their muscles on the night.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Brilliant value on an away win
- HOME: 13/2 (7.50) – 13.3%
- DRAW: 17/4 (5.25) – 19%
- AWAY: 4/11 (1.36) – 73.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Qarabag vs Chelsea odds are weighted heavily in favour of the English side, which was always going to be the case here. Ladbrokes have given Qarabag just a 13.3% chance of winning the match, while Chelsea have been given a 73.3% chance of picking up all three points.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A first meeting in eight years
This is the first time that Qarabag and Chelsea have played against each other since the group stages of the 2017/18 Champions League. Chelsea were dominant across both of those fixtures, winning 6-0 at Stamford Bridge before winning 4-0 in Azerbaijan.
Qarabag preview: A couple of notable absentees
Qarabag's squad is in pretty good shape ahead of this one, but there are two first-team players unavailable. Ramil Sheydayev is ruled out through injury, while Joni Montiel wasn't registered for their Champions League squad as he has only just returned to action following a year-long injury.
Predicted lineup: Kochalski (GK), Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev, Borges, Bicalho, Duran, Andrade, Zoubir, Akhundzade
Last five results
- Qarabag 1-1 Imisli
- Qarabag 0-0 Shamakhi
- Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Qarabag
- Turan 1-2 Qarabag
- Qarabag 1-0 Kapaz
Chelsea preview: Delap is available
Liam Delap is available for selection after missing the win over Tottenham at the weekend due to suspension. Joao Pedro is also available after serving a suspension of his own in the Champions League. Enzo Maresca could leave several players back home due to the long journey involved here.
Predicted lineup: Sanchez (GK), Gusto, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Cucurella, Fernandez, Lavia, Estevao, Pedro, Gittens, Delap
Last five results
- Tottenham 0-1 Chelsea
- Wolves 3-4 Chelsea
- Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland
- Chelsea 5-1 Ajax
- Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
Player to watch: Liam Delap
Liam Delap has had a frustrating start to life at Chelsea after injuring his hamstring in just his third appearance for the club at the beginning of the season. On his return to the team, he then got himself sent off. It's now time to put all that behind him, and a goal would go a long way to doing just that.