Chelsea’s striker problem opens the door for younger expertise, however will anyone take benefit?

Chelsea have the unenviable activity of an nearly 3,000-mile journey from Stamford Bridge to the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan on Wednesday, dealing with Qarabag within the Champions League. It is a spot the place Copenhagen have already fallen, however for Blues boss Enzo Maresca, the problem of managing intensive journey with the calls for of the Premier League may current a chance for youthful gamers within the squad.

The Blues had been capable of capitalize on that final season within the Convention League, however with the uptick in competitors, Maresca has needed to stick with his core squad in Champions League play. Whereas Qarabag aren’t a group that he can overlook, it must be a time the place the Blues can rotate whereas nonetheless securing all three factors.

How you can watch Chelsea vs. Qarabag, odds

• Date: Wednesday, Nov. 5 | Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
• Location: Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium — Baku, Azerbaijan
• Reside stream: Paramount+
• Odds: Qarabag +800; Draw +440; Chelsea -310

Chelsea’s strikers bought off to a sizzling begin to the season, however with out Cole Palmer, the assault has cooled off. Joao Perdo has been the very best performer of the bunch with six purpose contributions in all competitions, however when he can play alongside one other ahead, it is essential to control these behind him.

Efficiency of Chelsea strikers in all competitions 

The pair of 19-year-olds, Tyrique George and Marc Guiu, stick out right here as a result of their manufacturing in restricted minutes. Guiu nearly wasn’t with the group this season as he was loaned to Sunderland, however he was recalled when Nicolas Jackson was loaned to Bayern Munich on switch deadline day in Sept. This match may very well be an opportunity for one among them to start out and present Maresca why they need to be within the squad commonly. 

Liam Delap had a powerful Membership World Cup, however he is nonetheless sidelined with a hamstring damage. Each George and Guiu got restricted minutes final season, however they’re already pushing for extra because the Blues look to get again into the Champions League locations within the Premier League. Based mostly on manufacturing, George must be barely forward of Guiu in who would get the beginning on Wednesday, however each are giving Maresca good issues.

Chelsea’s seek for a 9 has been an agonizing one since Diego Costa was terrorizing defenses at Stamford Bridge, however the Blues could have their strikers of the long run on the roster if George and Guiu can use restricted minutes to their benefit.