Key events
The Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium is named after what we in England for decades called “the Russian linesman” from the 1966 World Cup final. He was, of course, from Azerbaijan, back then part of the USSR.
Baku’s other stadium was where Chelsea won the Europa League, with Eden Hazard waving goodbye to the club, and sadly his career. What a player he was, by the way.
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.
Referee: Sebastian Gishamer (Austria)
Feel the length of that table. Both of these teams are on track to reach the last 16 without a play-off as we turn for home.
Jacob Steinberg is our man in Baku. Here’s his scene-setter.
Preamble
Baku stages another matinee for the European Champions League with Chelsea the latest to travel thousands of miles to Azerbaijan. Qarabag are no mugs, as they proved in winning their opening two matches, beating Benfica and FC Copenhagen. Chelsea are in decent form, their legs should not be weighing too heavy after Saturday evening’s defeat of Tottenham. Still, it’s been a quick turnaround, and so expect some Enzo Maresca tinkering in Azerbaijan.
It’s a battle of 13th v 15th. Join me.
