Chelsea can tonight take a huge step towards the Carabao Cup final with a win over Middlesbrough in their semi-final first leg.
The Blues have toiled for much of the season but are favourites over their mid-table Championship opponents to reach next month's Wembley showpiece.
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Mauricio Pochettino, who was dismissive of domestic cups during his time at Tottenham, will be well aware of how important an early trophy will be for him and his squad.
The manager will also be aware of how his team has underwhelmed this season, and this clash will be no foregone conclusion against Michael Carrick's side.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off today, Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
The match will take place at Riverside Stadium.
Where to watch Middlesbrough vs Chelsea
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event, with coverage beginning at 7pm.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at the ground.
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea team news
Middlesbrough XI: Glover, van den Berg, Fry, Engel, Jones, Howson, Barlaser, Hackney, Bangura, Crooks, Latte Lath
Subs: Jones, Clarke, Gilbert, Coburn, O'Brien, Kavanagh, McCabe, Bridge, Bilongo
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Enzo, Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling
Subs: Bettinelli, Bergstrom, Gilchrist, Williams, Golding, Mudryk, Washington, Broja
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea prediction
Middlesbrough pushed an impressive Aston Villa side almost all the way in the FA Cup on Saturday, which will give them hope despite eventually going down to an 88th-minute Matty Cash goal.
Chelsea were pretty dismal in the first half against Preston before their £1billion quality shone through after the break, and will likely be happy with a draw at the Riverside before the second leg in London.
Draw, 1-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Chelsea have won their last nine in a row against Middlesbrough but these two teams have only played each other three times in the last decade.
Middlesbrough wins: 31
Draws: 29
Chelsea wins: 57
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea match odds
Middlesbrough: 9/2
Draw: 13/5
Chelsea: 4/9
