The State of Play
Middlesbrough, led by Michael Carrick, are aiming to replicate the success of the 2004 team that reached and won the final of this competition against Bolton Wanderers at the Millennium Stadium. Despite an inconsistent campaign, they faced Premier League side Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup over the weekend, putting up a good fight until Matty Cash’s late goal sent Villa through. Carrick needs to refocus the team for a busy January schedule, aiming to break into the Championship’s top six and secure play-off contention.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea have experienced an unusual season, marked by underwhelming performances. Despite this, they have started to secure results with improved attacking displays giving hope for a higher standing in the Premier League. Chelsea’s journey to this round involved a penalty shootout victory against Newcastle United in the quarter-finals, along with victories against AFC Wimbledon and Blackburn Rovers, as well as overcoming a rotated and distracted Brighton and Hove Albion side.
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Team News
Michael Carrick is grappling with multiple player absences due to international commitments. Samuel Silvera and Riley McGree are currently representing Australia in the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, while goalkeeper Seny Dieng is part of the Senegalese squad defending their AFCON crown.
Boro will no longer have Hayden Coulson following the completion of his loan to Blackpool on Monday. Paddy McNair, Lewis O’Brien, and Marcus Forss are expected back later this month and will play not part here.
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed there are no new developments on the injury front for Chelsea. The Blues will travel to the Riverside with the same squad that secured a 4-0 victory over Preston in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. This means Christopher Nkunku, having recently returned from injury, will miss out once again. Other absentees include Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Lesley Uguchukwu, and Ben Chilwell.
Expected Line-ups
Middlesbrough: Glover; Van Den Berg, Fry, Clarke, Engel; Howson, Barlaser; Jones, Greenwood, Rogers; Coburn
Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gallagher, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Broja
What they Said
Michael Carrick on the quick turnaround after their recent FA Cup exit:
“It’s a huge game for us obviously, for each individual it’s a massive game, but for us collectively it’s a massive game. There won’t be any issues with recovery or motivation, my job’s already done for that one, they’ve done it themselves by getting into a semi-final.”
Maurizio Pochettino on facing Middlesbrough
“It’s about having a different approach on the game. I was disappointed – the players were disappointed – at half-time [against Preston]. We reviewed what we need to improve but there’s not much time to work as our priority was to 100% recover our physical condition so we are fresh. They have good players and a good coach, and it will be tough with atmosphere and no VAR.”
When and How to Watch
This match is being televised live on Sky Sports, and subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go.
Prediction
Middlesbrough are grappling with an injury and availability crisis, with numerous key first-team players sidelined for this weekend. Chelsea, meanwhile have shown flashes of excellence but they have often lacked cohesion in attack. While they remain the favourites, a low-scoring encounter is anticipated on Tuesday evening.
