Middlesbrough vs Chelsea: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Chelsea registered a thrilling win over Newcastle United in the last round

After a hectic weekend of FA Cup fixtures, both Middlesbrough and Chelsea will be facing each other in the mid-week EFL Cup 2023-24 semi-final clash.

While Chelsea registered an emphatic win against Preston, it was the end of the FA Cup journey for Middlesbrough who suffered a one-goal defeat against Aston Villa.

Although Middlesbrough will be at home, Chelsea will be more than just a task for them. But, the history of these cup fixtures has produced some shocks and heartbreaks. So, one cannot know for sure.

Kick-off

Tuesday, 9th January 2024, 8:00 PM GMT

Wednesday, 10th January 2024, 1:30 PM IST

Location: Riverside Stadium

Form

Middlesbrough (in all competitions): W-L-W-L-L

Chelsea (in all competitions): W-L-W-W-W

Players to watch for

Josh Coburn (Middlesbrough)

The young English forward has been stringing together some good performances for Middlesbrough as of late. 21-year-old Josh Coburn has scored 5 goals and has assisted another, so far in the Championship.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

From the Manchester City academy to the Stamford Bridge, one would say that’s a downgrade. But in all honesty, Cole Palmer has upped his name as well as fame. The 21-year-old’s name is on the lips of every English football fan, and why not? Palmer has 14 G/A in just 18 Premier League games this season.

Match facts

• The last time these two met together was in the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2022. Chelsea won the game 2-0.

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Injury & team news

Middlesbrough had a major injury boost ahead of the Aston Villa clash in the FA Cup. Hayden Hackney, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Matt Crooks were back in contention in their weekend clash. They were handed some minutes by Michael Carrick as well. Now, it seems that they will be among the playing XI against Chelsea.

Nkunku did not feature for the Blues in their match against Preston. Pochettino confirmed the forward felt something in his hip. Chelsea fans will be hopeful for their star forward’s return as Jackson is also out on international duty for AFCON.

Head-to-head

Matches: 58

Middlesbrough: 5

Chelsea: 39

Draws: 14

Predicted lineups

Middlesbrough

Glover; van den Berg, Clarke, Engel, Coulson; Crooks, Hackney; Jones, Latte Lath, Greenwood; Coburn

Chelsea

Petrovic; Gilchrist, Disasi, Colwill, Gusto; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Broja

Match prediction

Chelsea will look to gain momentum in the first leg so that they can breeze their way at the Stamford Bridge. So, we predict Middlesbrough to lose the game.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 1 – 2 Chelsea

Telecast details of Middlesbrough vs Chelsea

India – Fancode

UK – Sky Sports

US –  ESPN+

Nigeria – Supersport Africa

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