When Chelsea plays Middlesbrough on Tuesday, they will want to erase their first-leg deficit and go to the EFL Cup final.
The EFL Cup will decide the next champion in just three more games. The semi-final second-leg matches take place this week; on Tuesday night, Chelsea will host Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge in the first leg.
After defeating AFC Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackburn Rovers, and Newcastle United in the earlier stages, Chelsea advanced to the EFL Cup semi-finals. The Blues have won four of their past five games in all competitions, which is a respectable run of form.
In the meantime, Middlesbrough advanced to the semi-finals of the 2023–24 EFL Cup by defeating Huddersfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, Bradford City, Exeter City, and Port Vale in the first round. The visitors’ most recent encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, but they have won their last three games.
At Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the first leg. Hayden Hackney scored the game-winning goal. In advance of the most recent meeting between the two parties, The Hard Tackle examines the interaction in greater detail.
News & Tactics for the Team
Chelsea
A fresh injury concern for Mauricio Pochettino is impeding his preparations for his team’s upcoming match. Tuesday’s match against Middlesbrough will see the Chelsea boss without ten first-team players.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Disasi, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Gallagher, Sterling; Palmer
Middlesbrough
Before the trip to Stamford Bridge, Michael Carrick has no new problems to cope with, in contrast to his counterpart in the Chelsea dugout. On Tuesday, the manager of Middlesbrough will be missing seven players from the first team.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Glover; Ayling, Fry, Clarke, Engel; Howson, Hackney; Jones, Rogers, Azaz; Forss
Important Statistics
Middlesbrough and Chelsea have faced off 118 times in the past, with the Blues holding a stronger record in this matchup with 57 victories. The away team has won 32 games, while 29 games have resulted in ties.
Middlesbrough and Chelsea have faced off twice in the EFL Cup so far, with two victories for each team.
Middlesbrough is unbeaten in their previous three games (W2 D1) after losing their opening two games of the season.
Chelsea has won six straight home games in all competitions during their current eight-game winning streak. In these games, they have maintained four clean sheets.
In their last five road games across all competitions, Middlesbrough has won four of them while scoring 10 goals while conceding four times.
Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Middlesbrough (Middlesbrough through on penalties)
Michael Carrick’s stock keeps rising as a result of his superb Middlesbrough management. Earlier this month, Boro defeated Chelsea in the first leg, and there’s no reason they can’t cause another upset on Tuesday.
However, Chelsea has been playing really well at home lately, and they should continue to win there after nine games. However, the visitors will give the Blues a tough time, and the home team will triumph 2-1 in the end. The penalties will next be discussed in detail before Carrick and his charges finish the upset.
Funfact: Chelsea vs Middlesbrough live stream match is free on this website
