"This time, though, the physical demands are tougher. Competing in the Champions League has been more sapping and Maresca has to work out how to strike the right balance when his team face Qarabag at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium on Wednesday evening, in their fourth game of the league phase. There is no mistaking the 5,000-mile round trip to Azerbaijan for a free hit. Chelsea followed up defeat at Bayern Munich in their opening game by recording wins against Benfica and Ajax,"
"Qarabag, who have also taken six points from their three games, are not to be taken lightly. They have made huge strides under Gurban Gurbanov, who has been in his post for 17 years, and are unrecognisable from the team that lost 6-0 and 4-0 against Chelsea in the Champions League's group stage in 2017. Qarabag have beaten Benfica and FC Copenhagen this season and took an early lead against Athletic Bilbao before losing 3-1 in their most recent tie."
European away days were less demanding when Chelsea competed in the Conference League, allowing Enzo Maresca to rotate and prioritise Premier League fitness. Competing in the Champions League increases physical demands and requires careful squad management for the trip to Qarabag in Baku for the fourth group game. Chelsea have won against Benfica and Ajax after losing at Bayern but must finish in the top eight to avoid the playoff round. Qarabag have six points and have improved markedly under long-serving manager Gurban Gurbanov. Chelsea face injuries to Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile, stretching squad depth after a busy schedule.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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