Chelsea's upcoming clash against Qarabag in Baku is more than just a routine fixture—it’s a strategic tightrope walk for manager Maresca. With one eye on the weekend’s league showdown against Wolves, now shrouded in uncertainty after their managerial shake-up, Maresca can’t afford to underestimate Qarabag’s potential to disrupt his plans. And this is the part most people miss: while Wolves are the headline act, Qarabag’s home advantage at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium could be the real wildcard in Chelsea’s packed schedule.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Maresca’s squad selection is a delicate balancing act. Long-term injuries to Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Dario Essugo have already stretched resources thin, but it’s the goalkeeping and right-back positions that are sparking debate. Should Maresca opt for the reliability of Robert Sanchez or the youthful energy of Filip Jorgensen between the posts? And at right-back, does Malo Gusto’s dynamism outweigh Reece James’ experience? Both players could even slot into central midfield, but with Lavia and Santos in the mix, Maresca has no shortage of options—though Andrey Santos’ confirmation of a starting spot at the press conference adds another layer of intrigue.
Chelsea’s predicted lineup (4-2-3-1) hints at a blend of youth and experience: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Acheampong, Cucurella; Lavia, Santos; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Delap. Yet, the inclusion of Neto remains in doubt, and injuries to Palmer, Colwill, Badiashile, and Essugo further complicate matters. Is this lineup bold enough to secure a win, or is Maresca playing it too safe?
Kickoff is set for 5:45 pm BST on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, with TNT Sports broadcasting live. But the real question is: Can Chelsea navigate this fixture without losing focus on their league ambitions? And what does this lineup say about Maresca’s priorities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with his choices, or would you have gone a different route?
