In the highly-anticipated second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, Chelsea will be looking to overturn a one-goal deficit as they welcome Championship side Middlesbrough to Stamford Bridge.
Match Preview:
The first leg saw a 37th-minute goal from Hayden Hackney secure the win for Middlesbrough, giving them the advantage heading into this clash.
Despite having 18 shots in the first leg, Chelsea’s poor finishing cost them dearly. They will need to step up their game if they want to advance to the final of the EFL Cup this season.
While it has been a disappointing season for Chelsea overall, they managed to secure a 1-0 win against Fulham in their last match, which propelled them to ninth position in the Premier League table.
Chelsea’s recent form has been promising, with four wins in their last five games across all competitions, including a convincing 4-0 victory over Preston North End in the FA Cup third round.
Their upcoming schedule also includes a fourth-round FA Cup tie against Aston Villa before their Premier League clash against Liverpool on January 31.
Having won the League Cup five times previously, Chelsea has had an impressive run in this season’s competition, defeating AFC Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackburn Rovers, and Newcastle United to reach the semi-finals.
On the other hand, Middlesbrough knows they face an uphill battle in this second leg. Hackney’s crucial goal in the first leg has given them something to hold onto, but they are well aware of the challenge they will face at Stamford Bridge.
Middlesbrough also has a history of success in the League Cup, having won the competition in 2004 after defeating the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
Team News:
Chelsea continues to struggle with injuries, and they will be without several key players for the second leg.
Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez, and Lesley Ugochukwu are all sidelined.
Additionally, Nicolas Jackson is on international duty representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. Ben Chilwell, who recently returned from a hamstring injury, may be cautious with his fitness.
Middlesbrough, too, has injury concerns, with Darragh Lenihan, Tom Smith, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Alex Bangura unavailable for selection.
Seny Dieng, Sam Silvera, and Riley McGree are also unavailable due to international commitments. The fitness of Isaiah Jones, who suffered a hamstring issue in their previous match, remains uncertain.
Possible Lineups:
Chelsea: (4-2-3-1)
Petrovic;
Gusto, Disasi, T Silva, Colwill;
Caicedo, Fernandez;
Madueke, Gallagher, Sterling;
Palmer
Middlesbrough: (4-2-3-1)
Glover;
Ayling, Fry, Clarke, Engel;
Barlaser, Howson;
Hackney, Rogers, Azaz;
Forss
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Middlesbrough (Chelsea to win on penalties)
We anticipate a tense and closely contested second leg. While Middlesbrough has shown their ability to score, we believe Chelsea will ultimately secure a victory and advance to the final, possibly through a penalty shootout.
The winner of this tie will face either Liverpool or Fulham in the EFL Cup final.