Chelsea will look to consolidate their spot at top of Europa League Group L when they take on BATE Borisov this week.
The Blues are currently first place in the standings on six points after two games, beating PAOK and MOL Vidi 1-0 each while BATE beat Vidi but lost to PAOK in their previous matches.
Read on for Chelsea v BATE Borisov live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats and TV channel info.
When is Chelsea vs BATE Borisov?
Competition: Uefa Europa League
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: Thursday, 25 October
Kick-off: 8:00 PM BST
Match preview
Chelsea will still be hurting over the fact they are currently in the Europa League, having made it their aim to consistently be competing in the Champions League.
But now they are in the competition, the Blues will be looking to win the Europa League for the trophy and a route to the Champions League next season – should they falter in the Premier League.
As a result, Maurizio Sarri has been naming strong sides for their 1-0 wins against MOL Vidi and PAOK – tough encounters for the London club – similar to XIs he has been starting in the Premier League
BATE Borisov were also starting to become a household name in the Champions League, appearing in the group stage on four occasions.
The Belarusian champions are once again on their way to winning the Premier League, currently nine points clear of their closest rivals with six games to go.
But, in the Europa League this season, BATE endured slightly different fortunes losing one of their first two games – a 4-1 humbling at home by PAOK.
Where can I watch live?
Chelsea’s game against BATE Borisov can be viewed by UK residents on BT Sport 2, channel 414 on Sky and channel 528, for Virgin Media users. BT Sport subscribers can also watch the game online at sport.bt.com and via their BT Sport app.
The game is also available to watch on fuboTV.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about fuboTV
Who are BATE Borisov?
Although more commonly known as Champions League minnows to audiences elsewhere in Europe, BATE Borisov are the reigning champions, and most successful side, of the Belarusian Premier League, having won the past 12 titles consecutively.
Initially founded in 1973, the club disbanded in 1984 before being re-established in 1996 under the current structure. BATE are also the only Belarusian team to have reach the group stage of the Champions League, while only one of two to qualify for the Europa League group stage.
Will Sarri rotate his team?
Chelsea’s successes so far this season have largely been down to a core group of players favoured by Sarri. But the same XI cannot start week in, week out, otherwise the Blues will crumble through fatigue. The Europa League provides a good opportunity for some big names to be rested while allowing the fringe players, such as Davide Zappacosta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, to get game time.
Why isn’t Sarri giving youngsters a chance?
Chelsea have put a lot of emphasis on being successful in all competitions this season, including the Europa League. As a result, Sarri has been naming strong sides meaning there is little room for the club’s younger players to get involved. With a lot still on the line for the game against BATE, it is unlikely Callum Hudson-Odoi will feature, while Ethan Ampadu is out injured.
Head-to-head
Chelsea have started life under Maurizio Sarri well, currently unbeaten in the Premier League after nine games, something they fought hard for at the weekend with an injury-time equaliser earning a draw against Manchester United.
BATE, on the other hand, are at the tail end of the Belarusian Premier League season, and lead the way with 19 wins from their 24 games – losing just two.
Thursday’s game will be the first time Chelsea and BATE Borisov faced off.
Chelsea wins: 0 Draws: 0 BATE Borisov wins: 0
Team news
Chelsea will be without star man Eden Hazard for the game against BATE on Thursday with the Belgian ruled out through injury, though the Belgian would have been unlikely to play unless required. Due to Sarri’s over-reliance on a small group of players in the Premier League, the Italian will have to rest some of his best players giving the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek a chance to start.
Meanwhile, BATE Borisov have no fresh injury problems.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga; Zappacosta, Christensen, Cahill, Emerson; Fabregas; Loftus-Cheek, Barkley; Moses, Giroud, Pedro.
Predicted BATE XI: Shcherbitski; Poljakov, Filipenko, Milunovic, Filipovic; Baga, Yablonski, Dragun; Ivanic, Tuominen, Stasevich.
Predictions & Betting Tips
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1. Chelsea to win and four or more goals in the match @ 21/20
Maurizio Sarri has had Chelsea playing some exciting football this season, with his new attacking style of play.
Spearheaded by Eden Hazard in the Premier League, the Blues have only failed to score twice since Sarri took charge – once in the Community Shield against Manchester City and another against West Ham United earlier this month.
The Blues have only scored two goals in the Europa League this season and BATE may prove tough to break down but with players looking to break into Sarri’s first-choice team, Chelsea could come out firing.
Key Stat: Chelsea have scored 24 goals across all competitions so far this season.
Tip: Chelsea to win and four or more goals in the match @ 21/20 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (24/10/2018, 15:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
2. Chelsea to win to nil @ 6/10
Under Sarri, Chelsea have shown weaknesses in defence, with Manchester United particularly highlighting the fact at the weekend.
But the Blues are yet to truly be punished, with smaller teams failing to make the most of the opportunities Chelsea give them – Sarri’s men have allowed their opponents 17 clear cut chances in the Premier League this season, but have conceded from just two of those (H/T Duncan Alexander).
Despite struggling in front of goal in the Europa League, the Blues have dominated their two games so far, giving opponents very few opportunities to breach their net.
Key Stat: Chelsea have kept six clean sheets in 12 games across all competitions this season.
Tip: Chelsea to win to nil @ 6/10 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (24/10/2018, 15:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
3. Olivier Giroud to score first @ 14/5
Olivier Giroud is yet to score for Chelsea this season, though has still directly been contributing to goals, recording four assists so far.
The Frenchman did not start the draw against Manchester United at the weekend and may start ahead of Morata against BATE, so as not to waste away on the bench.
And it could be the cause for success, with Giroud due a goal – the striker has not scored for Chelsea since April.
Key Stat: Olivier Giroud has scored three goals in seven Europa League appearances for Arsenal and Chelsea.
Tip: Olivier Giroud to score first @ 14/5 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (24/10/2018, 15:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
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