Chelsea Faces Qarabag: A Chance for Young Talent to Shine
As Chelsea travels to Baku for a Champions League clash, young strikers may get the opportunity to prove themselves in the squad.
Chelsea have an almost 3,000-mile trek from Stamford Bridge to the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan on Wednesday, where they will take on Qarabag in the Champions League. This might present a valuable opportunity for younger players in the squad.
The Blues capitalized on similar challenges last season, yet under the demanding landscape of the Champions League, manager Enzo Maresca has needed to keep a consistent lineup. Facing a competitive side such as Qarabag, it is crucial for Chelsea to rotate players while aiming to secure a win.
How to watch Chelsea vs. Qarabag, odds
- Date: Wednesday, Nov. 5 | Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium – Baku, Azerbaijan
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Qarabag +800; Draw +440; Chelsea -310
Chelsea’s forwards have started the season with strong showings, but injuries to key players like Cole Palmer have slowed momentum. Joao Pedro has led the team with six goal contributions across competitions and will require support from other forwards to be effective.
Performance of Chelsea strikers in all competitions
| Name | Age | Matches played | Minutes | Goals | Expected goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joao Pedro | 24 | 12 | 969 | 3 | 3.44 | 3 |
| Tyrique George | 19 | 8 | 395 | 3 | 1.98 | 1 |
| Marc Guiu | 19 | 4 | 182 | 1 | 1.25 | 0 |
| Liam Delap | 22 | 4 | 118 | 0 | 0.23 | 0 |
The use of young talents like George and Guiu, who have shown potential with limited minutes, could be key. With injuries affecting the squad, this match is an important chance for them to demonstrate their value to Maresca.
Chelsea continues to seek a reliable forward since the departure of Diego Costa, yet George and Guiu might become valuable assets in the near future as they adjust to their roles.
