Chelsea could qualify for the last-32 of the Europa League on Thursday when they travel to Belarus face BATE Borisov.
The Blues are currently top Group L after three games, enjoying a perfect start while BATE sit bottom on goal difference level with MOL Vidi and PAOK on three points.
Read on for BATE v Chelsea live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats and TV channel info.
When is BATE vs Chelsea?
Competition: Uefa Nations League
Venue: Borisov Arena
Date: Thursday, 8 November
Kick-off: 5:55 PM GMT
Match preview
Chelsea have been impressive under Maurizio Sarri this season, currently unbeaten in all competitions since a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The Blues are second in the Premier League and almost clear at the top of Group L having already beaten BATE, PAOK and MOL Vidi in the competition.
Last time out, Chelsea overcame a tough challenge against Crystal Palace on Sunday to start a mini winning run of four games which started with a 3-1 win over BATE two weeks ago.
And they will be looking to extend it to five consecutive wins when they travel to Belarus on Thursday for the return match against BATE.
Since the previous Europa League meeting at Stamford Bridge, BATE have been fairly busy domestically, wrapping up the Belarusian Premier League with three games to spare, currently sitting 14 points clear of FK Shakhtyor in second.
But BATE will need to things to turn around almost immediately if they wish to make it out of their Europa League group.
The Belarusian side have won just one of their three games so far, beating MOL Vidi in the opening fixture before losing 4-1 to PAOK and 3-1 against Chelsea.
As a result, BATE are already relying on PAOK and MOL Vidi to draw in their fixture on Thursday to have any hopes of finishing second – while a shock win over Chelsea would also go some way.
Where can I watch live?
BATE’s game against Chelsea can be viewed by UK residents on BT Sport 2, channel 414 on Sky, and channel 532 for Virgin Media users. BT Sport subscribers can also watch the game online at sport.bt.com and via their BT Sport app.
How can Chelsea win Group L?
In simplest of terms, Chelsea can qualify for the last-32 of the Europa League by beating BATE on Thursday. The Blues are currently six points clear of the three other teams in Group L with just nine points to play for and a win would see them unreachable for the team in third.
But, Chelsea could also secure top spot in Group L if they win and PAOK and MOL Vidi draw, which would see their lead extended to eight points with just two games remaining.
Can Chelsea win the Europa League?
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 are one of the favourites to win the whole thing after a good start to the group stage. And Chelsea will fancy themselves better than any of the teams currently in the Europa League, though it could all change from the Champions League dropouts join for the knockout stages.
Will Maurizio Sarri finally play the kids?
It’s becoming a recurring question with Chelsea and the Europa League but it is unlikely Sarri would put out a younger squad for the trip to Belarus given how much is at stake. The Blues are comfortable at the top of Group L but a shock defeat against BATE would suddenly bring them closer to the chasing pack with two games remaining. Sarri is likely to go all out to secure top spot before giving his younger players a chance.
Head-to-head
Chelsea have started life under Maurizio Sarri well, currently unbeaten in the Premier League after 11 games, and sit second in the table as well as appearing in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
BATE, on the other hand, are at the tail end of the Belarusian Premier League season, winning the league recently with a 14-point lead and just three games remaining.
Thursday’s game will be just the second time Chelsea and BATE Borisov have faced off, with the Blues winning the first fixture 3-1.
BATE wins: 0 Draws: 0 Chelsea wins: 1
Team news
BATE Borisov have no fresh injury problems and will be hopeful of calling upon former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb who had to come off in the first fixture two weeks ago with a knock.
With a busy schedule, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is likely to ring the changes for Thursday – though not too may with qualification within reach. Olivier Giroud could start for the Blues to give Alvaro Morata a rest while Ross Barkley and Jorginho are also likely to be rested.
Predicted Home XI: Shcherbitski; Poljakov, Filipenko, Milunovic, Filipovic; Baga, Yablonski, Dragun; Ivanic, Tuominen, Stasevich.
Predicted Away XI: Arrizabalaga; Zappacosta, Christensen, Cahill, Emerson; Fabregas; Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic; Pedro, Giroud, Willian.
Squawka Prediction
After two 1-0 wins to start the group, Chelsea turned it up a level against BATE last time out and will do the same with qualification on the line. 4-1 Chelsea.
Predictions & Betting Tips
Get the BetBull sign-up offer HERE – Ts&Cs apply. +18 only. BeGambleAware.org
1. Ruben Loftus-Cheek to score anytime @ 2/1
When these sides met at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago, Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored more goals than he had in his entire Chelsea career building up to the match.
The Englishman scored a hat-trick against BATE and followed it up with a late goal in Chelsea’s following game against Burnley, the best goalscoring form of his career so far.
Loftus-Cheek is likely to start once more against BATE with others rested in midfield and the 22-year-old will fancy himself to cause the Belarusian champions trouble once more.
Key Stat: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (four) has scored as many goals this season than he has in all other seasons in senior football combined.
Tip: Ruben Loftus-Cheek to score anytime @ 2/1 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (06/11/2018, 17:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
2. Over 3.5 goals @ 15/8
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 last month.
The Blues also emerged victorious with a 3-1 win when these sides last met two weeks ago, allowing BATE a consolation goal due to complacency late on.
Key Stat: Chelsea past five games in all competitions have seen over 3.5 goals scored.
Tip: Over 3.5 goals @ 15/8 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (06/11/2018, 17:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
3. Chelsea to score in both halves @ 6/5/X
One of the best things about Chelsea’s style on play under Maurizio Sarri is their apparent ability to finish a match as strong as they start, though it isn’t always the case.
But against BATE they have the opportunity to exploit the attacking intent of an opponent to excute their gameplan, with the Belarusian team desperate for a result to remain in with a chance of reaching the knockout stages.
In Chelsea’s 17 games so far this season, the Blues have scored in both halves of a match on eight occasions including five of the past six.
Key Stat: Chelsea have scored 37 goals in all competitions so far this season, averaging 2.18 per game.
Tip: Chelsea to score in both halves @ 6/5 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (06/11/2018, 17:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
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