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Updated January 23, 2024

Chelsea FC VS Middlesbrough - Prediction

TL;DR

London side Club Chelsea FC are ready to take on Middlesbrough tonight in a do-or-die game in the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea FC VS Middlesbrough - Prediction

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London side Club Chelsea FC are ready to take on Middlesbrough tonight in a do-or-die game in the Carabao Cup. Chelsea were the clear favorite against Middlesbrough, but the tier-2 team surprised Chelsea in the first-leg semifinal of the Carabao Cup by winning a narrow 1-0 margin. The second leg will take place tonight as Chelsea will host Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge. As Chelsea are one goal behind, they have to win by at least two goals to qualify for the final. However, a one-goal win would take them to the extra time, while a draw or defeat would see Chelsea being knocked out from the semifinal. However, Chelsea have been struggling since the start of the season. But the Blues are now getting the momentum back after winning three games in a row in the English Premier League. In addition, Chelsea have a very good home record against Middlesbrough in this competition. The Blues are unbeaten in their last 21 home meetings against Middlesbrough, winning 15 of those matches. Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is very serious about tonight's game and described it as the "biggest game of the season." In the pre-match press conference, Pochettino said , "Tomorrow [tonight] is the biggest game of the season because it’s our access to the final. We need to be convincing to be able to win. It’s the possibility to play in and win a final. It’s a good pressure. I like this type of challenge. We want to be in that situation and play in the semi-finals." "I think the game tomorrow is really important because it’s the possibility to win a trophy. In a personal way, I’m so excited for the game. It’s a way to play at Wembley, a final, and to have the possibility to win a title. I’m so motivated and I try to translate to the players how good it is to play a final and to play in Wembley," Pochettino added.

Team News

Chelsea FC have been dealing with tons of injuries. They will also miss a number of players ahead of tonight's game in the Carabao Cup, including Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez, and Lesley Ugochukwu. Nickolas Jackson has been very effective this season for Chelsea. But he is unavailable for Chelsea as he is on international duty in the AFCON Cup. On the other hand, Middlesbrough will also miss some players due to injuries. Their injury list includes Darragh Lenihan, Tom Smith, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Alex Bangura. However, they will miss Seny Dieng, Sam Silvera, and Riley McGree due to their international games. Possible Lineup for Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, T Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Gallagher, Sterling; Palmer Possible Lineup for Middlesbrough: Glover; Ayling, Fry, Clarke, Engel; Barlaser, Howson; Hackney, Rogers, Azaz; Forss

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Middlesbrough

Although Middlesbrough did a brilliant job in the first leg, it will be really very difficult for them to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer has been a trump card for Chelsea FC, while midfielders such as Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have started showing their potential for the Blues. Therefore, we expect Chelsea to win this match and go to the final of the Carabao Cup.

Betfair Odds

Chelsea: 1.25 Draw: 6.50 Middlesbrough: 11.50 Visit BFB247 to get real-time Betfair Odds and an exclusive 2.5% commission on winning bets!

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