Chelsea vs Middlesbrough tonight at Stamford Bridge – Live stream, Team news – where to watch Carabao Cup semi-final
Chelsea takes on Middlesbrough tonight in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge. Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is expecting a fierce match and a tough night despite holding a narrow 1-0 lead from the initial home leg.
Carrick recognises the importance of staying grounded, “We got a significant boost from the first game, but that’s the extent of it. We are fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead.”
Middlesbrough’s last major cup final appearance dates back to the 2005-06 UEFA Cup, and they aim to become the first EFL side to reach the Carabao Cup final since 2013 when Bradford City faced Swansea.
Currently positioned 11th in the Championship after a 1-1 draw with Rotherham, Middlesbrough faces injury concerns, with full-back Isaiah Jones nursing a hamstring issue and midfielder Jonny Howson recovering from a knock sustained in training last week.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino urged the Blues’ fans to rally behind the team in their quest to overturn a one-goal deficit. The home side aims to secure their first major final appearance since co-owner Todd Boehly completed the takeover in May 2022.
Chelsea faced a challenging period with only three home wins in the 11 months from January to November 2023. However, they have managed to turn the tide recently, enjoying a three-game winning streak in the Premier League. Pochettino highlighted the team’s improved form and emphasised the importance of continued support from the passionate Chelsea supporters.
Chelsea vs Middlesborough kick-off time?
Date: January 23 2024
Kick-off time: 8 pm GMT
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Where can I watch Chelsea vs Middlesborough?
The EFL Cup clash between Chelsea and Middlesbrough will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.
Team news & squads
Chelsea team news
The Blues have a long catalogue of players currently on the sidelines including the likes of Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez and Lesley Ugochukwu who are all nursing their respective injuries.
Summer signing Nicolas Jackson is currently at the AFCON 2023 playing for Senegal ruling the forward out of the fixture while Noni Madueke could replace Albanian forward Armando Broja in the starting eleven that featured in the victory against Fulham in the league.
Middlesbrough team news
Riley McGree and Sam Silvera are on international duty with Australia at the AFC Asian Cup while Seny Dieng misses out as he’s representing Senegal at the CAF AFCON 2023.
Michael Carrick’s squad list will miss Alex Bangura, Emmanuel Latte Lath, Tom Smith, and Darragh Lenihan with the four players currently confined to the treatment room.
Chelsea vs Middlesbrough predicted lineups
Chelsea predicted XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, T Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Gallagher, Sterling; Palmer
Middlesbrough predicted XI: Glover; Ayling, Fry, Clarke, Engel; Barlaser, Howson; Hackney, Rogers, Azaz; Forss
What do the experts say?
A major milestone in the Pochettino project
Alex Howell, BBC Sport
This week could be Mauricio Pochettino’s most important as Chelsea manager.
The match on Tuesday is the start of a vital four days which be a major boost to – or effectively be the end of – their season.
A result on Tuesday would allow those at Chelsea to point to progress and say they have made a cup final in Pochettino’s first season. If they went on to win the trophy, it would also mean qualifying for Europe – albeit the Europa Conference League.
They also have the FA Cup fourth-round tie against high-flying Aston Villa on Friday. If these two matches go Chelsea’s way it would maintain the positivity around the club.
Pochettino has repeated the message this season that “Chelsea’s history is to win” – but if they don’t start this week by beating Middlesbrough, that history will start to weigh heavy.
‘Nervy affair’ – Sportsmole
Chelsea 2-1 Middlesbrough (Chelsea to win on penalties)
The winner of this tie will take on either Liverpool or Fulham in the final of the competition, and it would be some turn-up if Fulham and Boro could get the job done to lock horns for the trophy.
We are expecting Tuesday’s second leg to be a nervy affair, with Boro good enough to score, but Chelsea should be able to navigate their way into the final, potentially via a penalty shootout.
