Prediction: Chelsea vs Middlesbrough

Verdict: Cole Palmer to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Luckster

Needing to mount a second leg comeback on Tuesday night, Chelsea will welcome Middlesbrough to Stamford Bridge for their EFL Cup semi-final showdown.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, slumping to a shock 1-0 loss when they travelled to the Riverside for their first leg battle on January 13th, Chelsea will certainly have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. Making an immediate return to winning ways last week as they secured a 1-0 victory at home against west London rivals Fulham, Mauricio Pochettino’s side should still be smelling a golden opportunity here. Opening the New Year with a 4-0 romp against Championship outfit Preston while on FA Cup duties, the former Tottenham boss has seen his squad win six of their previous eight domestic appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to December 10th. Although the Blues might be seeking a major miracle in their bid to book a European return, Chelsea will be excited by their continued success on home soil. Extending on their EFL Cup adventure last month as they edged past Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, Tuesday’s hosts have won all of their last six straight showdowns in west London.

Team News

Chelsea will once again be without the services of Reece James, Romero Lavia, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana on Tuesday night. However, Pochettino’s side are hopeful that French international Christopher Nkunku could play some part at Stamford Bridge.

Although there might be continued speculation that Armando Broja will be heading for the Stamford Bridge exit before the January transfer window slams shut, the Albania international will spearhead Chelsea’s charge here. Continuing to shine since arriving from Manchester City over the summer, Cole Palmer will have a leading role to play.

Middlesbrough

As for the visitors, springing a real upset at the Riverside on January 13th as they snatched that shock 1-0 victory, Middlesbrough will be desperate to finish off the job in west London. However, although Michael Carrick’s side might be 90 minutes away from springing a famous EFL Cup upset, the ex-Manchester United coach is desperate for some recent stability. Failing to collect much momentum over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against relegation scrappers Rotherham, the midweek guests have recorded just a trio of wins from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Now tipped as an outside contender in their bid to punch another play-off ticket in 2024, Middlesbrough will take plenty of positives from their recent success on the road. In fact, Carrick’s men have won four of their last five contests away from the Riverside.

Team News

Middlesbrough have already confirmed that they will travel to Stamford Bridge without the likes of Alex Bangura, Riley McGree, Paddy McNair, Thomas Smith and Darragh Lenihan.

Now finding the net in back-to-back appearances since returning from a long-term thigh injury, 24-year-old Marcus Forss should make a first start since the middle of September. Although attacking starlet Morgan Rogers might remain heavily linked with a January move to Aston Villa, the ex-Manchester City youngster should feature here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Chelsea and Middlesbrough met for their first leg showdown on January 13th, the Championship outfit collected a shock 1-0 win.
• However, Boro have collected just a trio of wins from their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• Chelsea have won all of their previous six straight showdowns at Stamford Bridge.
• Likewise, the Blues are unbeaten in all of their last eight contests in west London – a run that stems back to October 28th.
• England international Cole Palmer has bagged nine Premier League goals since arriving from Manchester City over the summer.

Conclusion

While Chelsea might open Tuesday’s second leg chasing a 1-0 deficit, the Blues should still be smelling the chance to mount an EFL Cup comeback. Gaining a reputation for their continued success at Stamford Bridge and winning all of their last six straight showdowns in west London, Pochettino’s side have also not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the end of October. Although Middlesbrough might have certainly impressed with their recent success away from the Riverside, Tuesday’s guests will face a stern examination in the capital.

Verdict: Cole Palmer to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Luckster