Middlesbrough vs Chelsea Prediction: EFL Cup Match on 09.01.2024

Date and Time: Tuesday, January 9, 20:00 GMT

Venue: Riverside Stadium

Team Overview

Midtable Middlesbrough To Switch Focus to the EFL Cup

Mired In Midtable In The Championship, Middlesbrough Will Switch Their Attention To The EFL Cup On Tuesday When They Host Chelsea In The First Leg Of The Semi-Final Clash, Which Offers A Massive Chance Of Making It Into The Final At Wembley. 

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Poor PL Form Mean Chelsea Will Take the EFL Cup Seriously

With Their Poor Form In The Premier League This Season, Chelsea Will See The EFL Cup As A Realistic Source Of Silverware And A Route To Europe. They Will Look To Establish A Positive Result At The Riverside Stadium On Tuesday Ahead Of Hosting Middlesbrough At Stamford Bridge For The Second Leg

Head-to-Head Statistics

Chelsea have won their last nine meetings with Middlesbrough in a row, which will influence football predictions ahead of kickoff on Tuesday; however, the caveat is that the two sides have played each other only three times in the last decade.

Player Focus

Football bet predictions highlight the gulf in quality between the two sides, although neither of them is having good seasons. Chelsea is in 10th place in the Premier League, whereas Middlesbrough is in 12th place in the Championship. 

The match-up will likely be closely contested, with Middlesbrough’s defense and Chelsea’s attack tested.

Clarke and Engel

The center-back pairing for Middlesbrough will be pivotal in marshaling the defensive shape and structure for the home side as they look to stop Chelsea’s attack. The two center-backs will also be essential in building play, keeping the team’s shape, and stepping up when pressing. 

Armando Broja

With Nicholas Jackson leaving for the African Cup of Nations, Armando Broja will get a run in the Chelsea side as he returns from injury. 

The striker is the football pick to lead the line for Chelsea and poses an attacking threat. His aerial presence will be an important asset for Chelsea as they bid to break down Middlesbrough in the first leg.

Tactical Analysis

Football prediction analysis shows that Middlesbrough will be compact and solid in their approach, looking to frustrate Chelsea. The Blues will look to dominate possession, press high up the pitch, and create chances.

Middlesbrough vs. Chelsea Expert Analysis

Expert soccer predictions show that Middlesbrough will look to retain their 4-2-3-1 approach with Barlaser and Hackney patrolling the double-pivot to add solidity to the side and ensure they are not overrun in midfield by Chelsea.

Mauricio Pochettino will pick a strong side in the first leg semi-final; Caicedo and Fernandez are likely to retain their berths in the middle of the pack, with Connor Gallagher also coming in the side after not starting in the 4-0 win against Preston at the weekend in the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

Betting Odds

The pre-match odds and free football predictions indicate that Chelsea are the slight favorites to win the away leg ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge. 22bet will provide live prediction football action after kickoff on Tuesday.

Fresh from the 4-0 home win against Preston in the third round of the FA Cup, Chelsea will be confident to win at Middlesbrough and establish a lead ahead of the second leg of this semi-final.

Chelsea will win the match and bolster their chances of winning the tie and making it into the EFL Cup final.

Disclaimer:

The content provided on this page, including all football predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here.

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