Middlesbrough - Chelsea predictions and free betting tips [09/01/2024]

On Tuesday, 9th January, as part of the first semi-final match of the English League Cup, Middlesbrough will host Chelsea. In the previous round, the Blues triumphed over Newcastle United after a penalty shootout, while Michael Carrick's squad comfortably defeated Port Vale.

Predicted Line-ups

Middlesbrough: Glover; Van den Berg, Clark, Fry, Bangura; Howson, Barlaser; Jones, Crooks, Latta Liet; Coburn.
Chelsea: Petrovich; Guehi, Dinzeyi, Silva, Colwill; Gallagher, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Broja.

Stadium

The match will take place in Middlesbrough at Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough

To reach the League Cup semi-finals, Middlesbrough didn't have to face any Premier League teams, although each time the white and reds played away. Michael Carrick's team successively defeated Huddersfield (2:3), Bolton (1:3), Bradford City (0:2), Exeter (2:3), and Port Vale (0:3). Indeed, the last time the white and reds reached the League Cup semi-finals was way back in 2004 when they overcame Arsenal. After finishing near the prize places last season, the hosts are less successful this campaign: they sit 12th in the Championship table without risk of relegation, but must double their efforts to reach the play-offs (4 points adrift from 6th place). Last weekend, Middlesbrough failed to surprise Aston Villa in the FA Cup (0:1) - with Matty Cash's ricochet off Emmanuel Latta Liet deciding the encounter on the 87th minute. 

The home team misses key players such as McNair and Forss, defenders Smith, Lenihan and Dickie, as well as midfielder O'Brien. The injury to first-choice keeper Seny Dieng, experienced McGree and Silver, heading off to national duties, adds to the hosts' woes. Striker Morgan Rodgers got his second disqualification in the current EFL Cup run in the match against Port Vale, hence will be unavailable on Tuesday. Middlesbrough also has to cope with the loss of last season's key forward Akpom (moved to Ajax) and Archer (Sheffield United). Greenwood remains a crucial figure in the attack, alongside Coburn and Latta-Lat (both with 5 goals in the Championship).

Chelsea

Missing out on European football this season and seriously faltering in the league, Chelsea understandably sees a League Cup triumph as a primary objective. In the preceding rounds, the Londoners, supported by their fans, overcame Wimbledon (2:1), Brighton (1:0), Blackburn (2:0), and Newcastle (1:1, penalty shootout). In the Premier League, the Blues sit in a disappointing 10th place overall, making it substantially difficult to secure a place even in the Conference League (11 points off 5th place). However, Pochettino's charges won their last two encounters against Crystal Palace (2:1) and Luton Town (2:3). Last weekend, Chelsea had no problem defeating Preston in the FA Cup (4:0): Armando Broja beautifully headed the opener in the second half, followed by goals from Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Enzo Fernandez. Importantly, the visitors will be featuring in the League Cup semi-finals for the first time in seven years. 

Chelsea still misses several important players: among them, first-choice goalkeeper Sanchez, captain James, and striker Niklas Jackson. The long-absent Fofana, Cucurella, Lavia, and Ugbo, as well as Chalobah, continue to be on the injury list. Defenders Badiashile and Chilwell, along with midfielder Chukwuemeka, missed the FA Cup weekend clash; their participation in the upcoming contest remains in doubt. Recently called up to the national team, Andre Santos, also will miss this match as he played for Nottingham Forest in the League Cup during his loan spell, while Ian Maatsen verbally agreed to transfer to Borussia Dortmund. Forwards Palmer (8 goals and 4 assists), Sterling (5 goals and 3 assists), as well as Armando Broja could appear in the visitors' starting attack.

Head-to-head

The 0:2 victory over Middlesbrough in the FA Cup campaign 2021-22 elevated Chelsea's winning streak against the white and reds to nine consecutive matches.

Prediction for the Middlesbrough - Chelsea match

Middlesbrough's efforts against Aston Villa last weekend are commendable, but the class divide between the two teams was evident. Tuesday won't be any easier for the hosts: Chelsea, struggling on other fronts, has prioritised a League Cup victory and will field a strong line-up. Moreover, the white and reds have lost four of their last five home matches - so, confidently betting on the favourite's victory.

Prediction for total

In nine (!) prior head-to-head encounters, Middlesbrough couldn't even muster a goal. This streak has dragged on, and with the home crowd's backing, at least one goal from the hosts should be expected.