Chelsea open their Champions League campaigning against a relatively unknown entity, Azerbaijani debutants – Qarabag FK.
Chelsea are expected to win this match with comfort as they prepare themselves for the so called tougher games in the group. However, they would not want to take their opponents lightly as football is capable of springing up the unlikeliest of surprises.
Conte has hinted at resting some players with the Arsenal game at the weekend in mind.
Here is Chelsea’s predicted line up vs Qarabag FK:
Goalkeeper:
Thibaut Courtois – Although Caballero is an able keeper and it could be a good time to give Courtois a break but he would want Courtois to be more active in the build-up to the Arsenal match so expect him to start again.
Defence:
Cesar Azpilicueta – The Spaniard has captained the side beautifully in Cahill’s absence and he will be expected to lead the side as they make their Champions League bow.
David Luiz – The Brazilian plays at the centre of Chelsea’s back three and is extremely important for them in bringing the ball out from the back.
Andreas Christensen – The young Dane put up a stellar display against Tottenham Hotspur but the return of several senior first team players pegged him back. Conte will be expected to give him another go as he looks to compete with Cahill and Rudiger for this spot.
Midfield:
Davide Zappacosta – The Italian was given a 20 minutes run-out by Conte against Leicester and that was only because he is expected to start against Qarabag. The former Torino player must be hoping to make an impression and displace Victor Moses from the side.
Cesc Fabregas – He will provide the creativity for this Chelsea side as they will look to impose themselves upon the Azerbaijanians and win with a commanding scoreline.
N’Golo Kante – The Frenchman is virtually undroppable for the Blues as he grows from strength to strength. He is improving his all round game, getting better at passing and shooting as well as seen from the win at Leicester.
Marcos Alonso – The marauding wing-back will be expected to start as he cements his place in the side. Had a quiet game against Leicester by his own standards and will be looking to change that.
Attack:
Willian – The Brazilian will be expected to start on the right-wing as Conte does not want to risk Hazard just yet. It’s a welcome opportunity for Willian to stake his claim for this berth over Pedro.
Michy Batshuayi – The Belgian had an excellent pre-season but has been anything but excellent when provided the chance so far this season. With the Arsenal game in mind, Conte wants Morata to get some rest and therefore Michy will get the nod and he will hope that he can start scoring on a regular basis.
Pedro – The former Barcelona winger was poor against Leicester City but with Hazard still being cautiously used, he is lucky as he will get another chance to prove his credentials for the role of the other winger.
Chelsea will line-up in a familiar 3-4-3 formation as they look to dominate Qarabag and start their UEFA Champions League campaign with a bang.
