The Carabao Cup semi-final second legs get underway this week, with both ties in the balance as Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Fulham and Liverpool battle it out for a place in the final at Wembley. Middlesbrough hold a slender lead over Chelsea, and Liverpool narrowly edged out Fulham at Anfield.
Chelsea v Middlesbrough (0-1) – Tuesday 23rd January, 8pm
Middlesbrough of the Championship shocked Chelsea at the Riverside in the first leg, beating Mauricio Pochettino’s side by a single goal. Hayden Hackney’s calm finish was enough to see of their Premier League opposition in a tense occasion on Teesside.
Chelsea were wasteful on the night, and Cole Palmer was at the centre of those missed opportunities. In the first half, the former Manchester City man had two massive chances, both of which he spurned and Middlesbrough were let off the hook.
In the second half, Conor Gallanger and Mykhalio Mudryk came close, but Boro survived and held out to give Michael Carrick’s side the advantage. Now Chelsea have the chance to turn the tie around at Stamford Bridge, but Middlesbrough will know they have something to cling onto as they seek to upset the apple cart and seal a first Wembley appearance since 2015.
It was confirmed by Pochettino that Christopher Nkunku will play no part in the second leg, due to injury.
Nkunku last featured for Chelsea at the end of 2023, in their 3-2 win at Luton, but has since suffered a further injury setback and Pochettino made it clear the Frenchman will not play.
Chelsea are short of numbers up top with Nicolas Jackson away with Senegal for AFCON, so it is likely Armando Broja will lead the line for the Blues. Chelsea’s form of late has improved, the defeat to Boro being the only loss in five games, the other four were all wins. This included a 4-0 win over another Championship side in Preston in the FA Cup.
Chelsea had the weekend off, due to the Premier League winter break, whereas Boro played out a 1-1 draw against Rotherham on Saturday. The visitors have a quick turnaround for the second leg, which could play a huge factor into the tie.
A player who caused Chelsea issues in the first leg was Isaiah Jones, who assisted Hackney for the crucial goal in the opening leg. He got the better of Levi Colwill on Boro’s right hand and found Hackney who finished beyond Djordje Petrovic. Jones is a player who loves to stay tight to the touchline, take on his man and also arrive late in the box. He is one to watch for Boro at the Bridge.
Chelsea will be favourites to progress, but Boro will be keen to keep it tight at the back, and frustrate the hosts and the home crowd. This is a massive game for Pochettino, he will see this as his best chance ti deliver silverware in this first season in charge. It would also be his first trophy in England.
Boro will fancy their chances of picking holes in the Chelsea defence on the break and will try and make use of any set piece situation. They will have to try and deal with the tricky feet of Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke, not to mention the threat that Cole Palmer poses too.
It could be a tense night, but an early goal for either side will change the complexation of the game. Chelsea have it all to do, but Boro have a reason to believe, and with the backing of a sold out away end they will have the motivation to see it through and book their place at Wembley. It promises to be fascinating.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Middlesbrough – Chelsea to win on penalties.
