Chelsea team news: Conte to make changes to starting XI ahead of Qarabag clash
Chelsea kick-off their UEFA Champions league campaign tonight against Azerbejan champions Qarabag.
The fixture takes place at Stamford Bridge and kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 (GMT).
Qarabag will feature in the Champions League group stages for the first time in their history. The visitors have come through three qualifying rounds to make it to this point.
The Blues come into the game in impressive form following back-to-back victories in the Premier League.
See More: Chelsea centre-back benched but still hoping to make season debut for Super Lig outfit
Chelsea team news:
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is expected to rotate his starting eleven. Gary Cahill is set to return to the starting eleven following a three-game ban.
Summer signing Danny Drinkwater is a doubt going into tonight’s clash due to a calf injury.
Eden Hazard will also face a late fitness test, the Belgium international only recently returned to training following an ankle injury.
“I think when you make the decision there is always a risk. The risk could be to play with the same players I did against Leicester and then it would be why didn’t you change the team,” Chelsea boss Antonio Conte told reporters in the lead up to tonight’s clash.
“This is our job. We must use our eyes and our previous experience as player and coach. If you win it was the best decision if you lose it was the worst decision.
“I must be realistic and calm and try to make the best decision for these seven games in 21 days. To play every three days, honestly is not easy for the players to play every game.”
Provisional Chelsea squad: Courtois, Caballero, Rudiger, Alonso, Fabregas, Kante, Morata, Hazard, Pedro, Bakayoko, Moses, Kenedy, Musonda, Zappacosta, Willian, Batshuayi, Cahill, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Clarke-Salter, Eduardo.
