Chelsea travel to Azerbaijan, about 5000 miles from England to play Qarabag in the Champions League, as they attempt a second time this season, to make the round of 16.
The Blues could have been home and dry, had they won their last round of fixture against Italian Serie A side, AS Roma. Roma on the other hand took matters into their own hands and dealt a huge blow to Chelsea in a humiliating 3-0 defeat.
Antonio Conte sought an instant reaction to the defeat and his players gave him that. In the Premier League the boys in blue have won their two games against Manchester United and West Brom, keeping two clean sheets in the process, while scoring five goals.
But that’s in the Premier League! Chelsea need to replicate the form they have shown in the last two games in Baku if they want their progress to the next stage of the UCL to be smooth.
With a point separating Chelsea and Roma on the standings, and four adrift Atletico Madrid, a win against Qarabag tonight will see us through to the last 16. A draw will open the group up, depending on the result between Roma and Atletico, as the Spanish side need to wins in their next two games to unseat Chelsea as group C qualifiers.
Conte and his charges understand what’s at stake against a tricky opponent, and should be well guarded or face first round exit humiliation.
