Former European giants Chelsea FC have a date with Championship side Middlesbrough in an EFL Carabao Cup semifinal clash set for Tuesday 23 January 2024.
The Blues have all the work to do as they will be aiming to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat they suffered in the first leg encounter played on Tuesday January 9 at the Riverside Stadium.
21-year-old Hayden Hackney found the back of the net in that epic match to give the minnows the advantage heading into the second leg.
Coached by former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, Middlesbrough will visit Stamford Bridge hoping to progress to the final of the cup competition for the first time since the 2003-2004 season when they beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 in the final to lift the title.
The EFL cup was the club’s first ever major silverware in their history and it also made them qualify for European football for the maiden time.
Chelsea on the other hand enjoyed success in recent years winning several titles including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League trophies.
But the Mauricio Pochettino charges currently sit ninth in the Premier League standings with 31 points, 17 less than leaders Liverpool FC.
The winner in Tuesday’s clash will meet either Liverpool or Fulham in the final which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 25 at Wembley Stadium.
Here are the key details you need to understand ahead of the crunch semifinal.
What time does Chelsea vs Middlesbrough start?
The match will kick off at 11 PM Tanzanian Time at Stamford Bridge Stadium.
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Chelsea vs Middlesbrough Team News
The Blues are set to host Middlesbrough without the services of Nicolas Jackson, who is with Senegal’s Teranga Lions in Ivory Coast at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Besides Jackson, Romeo Lavia, Marc Cucurella, Christopher Nkunku and skipper Reece James will also sit this one out due to injuries.
James and Cucurella are expected to continue nursing their ankle and hamstring injuries respectively until March.
Other stars who will be unavailable for selection include former Leicester FC man Wesley Fofana and shot stopper Robert Sanchez.
Should Sanchez fail to pass the fitness test, Pochettino will rely on Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
Like Chelsea, Middlesbrough have also been hard hit by injuries ahead of arguably one of their biggest fixtures this decade.
Clinical finisher Emmanuel Latte (hamstring), first choice shot stopper Seny Dieng (hip), Tommy Smith (Achilles tendon), Darragh Lenihan (Achilles tendon) and Isaiah Jones (hamstring) are set to be ruled out of Tuesday’s tie.
However, the return of Morgan Rogers from suspension will brighten the faces of Middlesbrough supporters ahead of the do or die match.
Possible Starting Lineups
Chelsea: Petrovic, Colwill, Disasi, T Silva, Gusto, Madueke, Fernandez, Caicedo, Sterling, Gallagher, Palmer
Middlesbrough: Glover, Ayling, Clarke, Fry, Engel, Howson, Barlaser, Hackney, Azaz, Rogers, Forss
Chelsea vs Middlesbrough Head-to-head
Middlesbrough and Chelsea have met each other 20 times in all competitions since 2002 with the Blues emerging victorious on 15 occasions. Two of those games ended in a draw.
Chelsea have also dominated in the recent five matches between the two clubs, registering four consecutive wins.
Chelsea: 15
Draws: 2
Middlesbrough: 3
Chelsea vs Middlesbrough Current Form
Chelsea: WWWLW
Middlesbrough: LLWLD
Chelsea vs Middlesbrough Prediction
Although Chelsea have lacked consistency this season, they are expected to have the upper hand when they host the Championship side.
However, a victory will not come easy for the hosts since Middlesbrough will throw everything into this match.
Therefore, football fans should get ready for a thrilling action which might go all the way.