Middlesbrough vs Chelsea: Preview, team news, how to watch, kick-off time & prediction

Chelsea face Middlesbrough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday night.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side head to Teesside for the first leg as they look to bring back an advantage to the capital for the second leg.

Chelsea are hoping to win their first Carabao Cup since 2015 and have a glorious opportunity to reach the final, which will see them face either Liverpool or Fulham should they progress past Boro.

“It’s important for Chelsea, its history is to win games and trophies,” admitted Pochettino pre-match. “We have in front a very good opportunity (to reach a final). We were talking today (on Monday) with the players, it’s about first to perform tomorrow (Tuesday) if we want to reach the final.

“Tomorrow is the most important game. Tomorrow we need a victory (to bring back to Stamford Bridge). We (also) need to respect the opponent.”

Chelsea will continue to be without Christopher Nkunku after he suffered a minor hip injury prior to their 4-0 win over Preston North End in the FA Cup third round.

“It’s not related with previous injury, it’s a different problem,” confirmed Pochettino on Monday afternoon.

“Small issue in hip. Six months from his injury. He was involved in a few games. Now it’s to be cautious. Not involved tomorrow. Saturday? Not sure.

Here are all of the details ahead of Middlesbrough versus Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Date, time, location of Middlesbrough vs Chelsea

The Carabao Cup tie will take place on Tuesday 9th January 2024 at 8pm (UK time) at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough.

How to watch Middlesbrough vs Chelsea

Chelsea’s tie against Middlesbrough will be available to watch live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.

Prediction

Middlesbrough 0-2 Chelsea