Stay Updated on Chelsea vs Middlesbrough: Where to Watch and Prediction Here

Chelsea and Middlesbrough Clash in Crucial EFL Cup Semifinal Second Leg

In a high-stakes encounter at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and Middlesbrough vie for a coveted spot in the Wembley EFL Cup final. The Premier League side faces an uphill battle after succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against their second-tier opponents at the Riverside Stadium.

Following a commanding 3-0 triumph over Port Vale in the quarterfinals, Michael Carrick’s team took an early lead at the Riverside, with academy product Hayden Hackney finding the net in the 37th minute.

Despite firing 18 shots in their quest to level the score, Chelsea struggled to breach Boro’s resolute defense, managing only five shots on target. Now, with the EFL Cup final berth at stake, Chelsea aims to leverage home advantage to overturn the deficit, seeking a return to the final for the first time since their 2022 penalty shootout loss to Liverpool.

However, Middlesbrough is not ready to concede easily. Holding a 1-0 advantage, they are determined to secure a place in the final, marking almost two decades since their last major triumph, when they defeated Bolton to claim their sole significant trophy in club history.

What time does Chelsea vs Middlesbrough kick-off?

The second leg of this EFL Cup semifinal clash between Chelsea and Middlesbrough takes place on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Stamford Bridge in London, UK. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT.

Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:

Chelsea vs Middlesbrough live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this EFL Cup semifinal across selected areas of the world’s major regions:

NAIJASPORT247: This game is available on NS247.

MORE: Liverpool Extends Five-Point Margin in the Latest EPL Standings

Chelsea vs Middlesbrough lineups, team news

Boro’s Morgan Rogers, currently sharing the top scorer spot in this season’s EFL Cup with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, is poised to lead the attack for the visiting team at Stamford Bridge, flanked by Matt Crooks and first-leg scorer Hayden Hackney. Recent January signings Finn Azaz and Luke Ayling won’t be available due to being cup-tied.

The Middlesbrough lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left) features Glover in goal, supported by van den Berg, Clarke, and Engel in defense. The midfield includes Jones, Barlaser, Howson, and Forss, while the attacking trio consists of Crooks, Hackney, and Rogers.

Despite Chelsea’s missed opportunities at the Riverside, including Cole Palmer’s close-range miss, the 21-year-old midfielder bounced back with a decisive penalty spot goal in the west London derby against Fulham. Palmer, along with frontmen Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, and Armando Broja, must deliver top-notch performances for Mauricio Pochettino’s side to overcome their first-leg deficit.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1 right to left): Petrovic (GK) — Gusto, Silva, Disasi, Colwill — Caicedo, Fernandez — Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling — Broja.

Chelsea subs (9): TBC

Chelsea vs Middlesbrough prediction

Boro holds the upper hand as they enter the second leg of this EFL Cup semifinal, and if they can replicate the resolute defense displayed on their home turf, a journey to Wembley seems within reach.

Nevertheless, Chelsea enjoys the advantage of playing on their home turf this time, and despite occasional struggles with the pressure of the Stamford Bridge crowd, the Premier League caliber of their young squad is likely to shine through for substantial portions of the game.

Anticipate a remarkably close match, with Chelsea possibly leveling the score in regular time. However, Boro is no easy opponent, and Michael Carrick’s team has the potential to push Chelsea to the limit. The culmination of this EFL Cup dream might extend well into extra time before a resolution is reached.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Middlesbrough — after extra time (2-1 on aggregate)