Chelsea vs Middlesbrough Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 English League Cup | Semi-Final
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Chelsea vs Middlesbrough on and what time does it start? Chelsea vs Middlesbrough will take place on Tuesday 23rd January, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Chelsea vs Middlesbrough? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Chelsea vs Middlesbrough on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to the Carabao Cup so it is worth checking their schedule for Chelsea vs Middlesbrough
Where can I stream Chelsea vs Middlesbrough in the UK? If Chelsea vs Middlesbrough is televised on Sky Sports, subscribers can stream Chelsea vs Middlesbrough live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
CHELSEA
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea went into their mini Premier League winter break on the back of three successive victories in the league but The Blues had remained generally unconvincing in those wins with defeats of Crystal Palace and Fulham in London derbies at Stamford Bridge with the winning goal coming from the spot on both occasions as well as a topsy-turvy 3-2 win at Luton Town.
Their first-leg performance in this tie was more fitting of their overall form this season, though, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Riverside. However, despite being generally underwhelming and a little bizarre both on and off the pitch, that is just their second defeat in eight matches across all competitions.
MIDDLESBROUGH
Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has done an excellent job since being appointed on Teesside in late 2022 but ‘Boro were left frustrated, once again, at the weekend. The Smoggies were held to a 1-1 at home to Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon as they continue to contend with several availability issues.
‘Boro are firmly in mid-table in the Championship but will remain intent on pushing towards the top six and the playoff places. Their 1-1 draw with Rotherham was a continuation of their inconsistent form. That inconsistent form is matched with a shift in their game plan where they seek to dominate the ball in the league but their cup ties against Chelsea and Aston Villa this month have been a lot more reactive.
THE TEAM NEWS
CHELSEA
Mauricio Pochettino has an issued an update on Christopher Nkunku with the Frenchman beginning to show some progress in his recovery: “He suffered a little thing in his hip – and is recovering.”
Aside from the former RB Leipzig man, Chelsea are also missing the likes of Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Robert Sanchez, Lesley Ugochukwu and Trevoh Chalobah.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Broja
UNAVAILABLE: Nkunku (Injured), Gusto (Injured), Fofana (Injured), Cucurella (Injured), James (Injured), Lavia (Injured), Sanchez (Injured), Chalobah (Injured), Ugochukwu (Injured), Casadei (Ineligible)
QUESTIONABLE:
MIDDLESBROUGH
The key talking point with Middlesbrough in recent days has been Aston Villa’s interest in Morgan Rogers. The attacker played all 90 minutes as Middlesbrough were held by Rotherham and he is expected to remain in their eleven.
Carrick will remain without Australian duo Riley McGree and Samuel Silvera, though, who are with The Socceroos in Qatar at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. They are also without goalkeeper Seny Dieng, Alex Bangura as well as long-term absentees, Darragh Lenihan and Tommy Smith.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Glover; Ayling, Fry, Clarke, Engel; Barlaser, Hackney; Jones, Rogers, Azaz; Coburn
UNAVAILABLE: Smith (Injured), Lenihan (Injured), Dieng (Injured), Bangura (Injured), Silvera (International duty), McGree (International duty), Latte Lath (Injured), Greenwood (Ineligible)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
A squad worth over a billion pounds getting a mid-table Championship side back to their home with a one-goal deficit should be overwhelmingly confident of turning the tie around but that just does not appear to be the case with Chelsea. Middlesbrough will play the way they did a couple of weeks ago, seeking to sit back and occasionally aim to hit Chelsea on the counter. The lack of precision and incision in attack leaves Chelsea unsure of victory but they do remain slight favourites for what ‘Boro will aim to be a low-scoring encounter.
TIP: CHELSEA TO WIN & UNDER 3.5 GOALS
