Middlesbrough vs Chelsea
Carabao Cup
Semi-Final
Tuesday
9th January 2024
Riverside Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Carabao Cup Semi-Final between Middlesbrough and Chelsea.
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea: Preview
Middlesbrough form analysis
Boro have had mixed form over recent Championship matches. They started this run positively by coming from behind to defeat Swansea 2-1 away on December 16th; Sam Greenwood and Sammie Silvera scored either side of Joel Lowe’s equalizer. Middlesbrough built on that win by edging past West Brom 1-0 at home on December 23rd courtesy of Marcus Roger’s first half strike. However, their momentum stalled over the Christmas period.
On December 26th, Middlesbrough suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss away to relegation battling Rotherham after conceding to Cohen Bramall’s 72nd minute effort. Middlesbrough quickly rebounded by winning 2-1 away against Huddersfield on December 30th; strikes from Josh Coburn and Jonny Howson sealed the win despite Matty Pearson temporarily leveling for Huddersfield. However, Middlesbrough concluded 2023 with a poor 3-1 home loss to Coventry on New Year’s Day, with Coburn’s opener rendered meaningless by Tyrese Sakamoto’s brace and an Harlem Wright goal. Overall, defensive issues have cost Middlesbrough from finding consistency in their promotion push.
Chelsea form analysis
Chelsea have had inconsistent Premier League form over the past few weeks. They started this run with a poor 2-0 home loss to Everton on December 10th, going two behind to goals from Amadou Doucouré and Lewis Dobbin. Chelsea responded by beating struggling Sheffield United 2-0 at home a week later courtesy of strikes from Conor Gallagher and Noni Madueke. However, their momentum quickly dissipated; on December 24th Chelsea suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss away at Wolves despite Christopher Nkunku pulling one back late on after falling two behind to Mario Lemina and Matt Doherty goals.
Chelsea returned to winning ways by edging past Crystal Palace 2-1 at home on December 28th. With Mykhaylo Mudryk and a late Noni Madueke penalty overturning Michael Olise’s leveler. Most recently on December 30th, Chelsea earned an action-packed 3-2 win away at Luton Town. Thanks to a Conor Gallagher hat trick before tiring late on and conceding twice. Overall Chelsea have struggled for consistency lately and must improve their game management.
