Middlesbrough will host Chelsea in the first leg of the semi-final of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. To go to the last four, the Blues defeated Newcastle United in a thrilling penalty shootout. Michael Carrick’s team defeated Port Vale three times in a row in the quarterfinals.
Preview (Middlesbrough vs. Chelsea)
Middlesbrough’s FA Cup match against Aston Villa ended in a loss. Manager Michael Carrick was largely positive during his post-match press conference. It was after witnessing his team battle it out with the underdog Premier League title contenders. The Lions, led by serial cup specialist Unai Emery, held Boro, who are presently firmly positioned in the middle of the Championship rankings, for 87 minutes before a speculative strike from Matt Cash, which significantly deflected Emmanuel Latte Lath, proved to be the game’s undoing.
Even though Cash’s effort went into the lower corner, there were probably some sad faces in the Riverside. Middlesbrough could take some positives away from the one-goal loss. It was Carrick’s team’s third loss in four games overall. However, in the 2023–24 EFL Cup, the hosts have let their attacking strength speak for itself. However, in four of their previous five home games in the competition, Boro lost. During Preston’s visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday night, Chelsea’s Midas touch also momentarily escaped them. Mauricio Pochettino’s team was unable to break through Ryan Lowe’s solid defense, but the floodgates opened in the second half.
The second-half rout was started by Armando Broja, who skillfully headed a precise header into the bottom corner. Other goals came from Thiago Silva, who headed home at the near post, Raheem Sterling, who fired in a beautiful free kick, and Enzo Fernandez, who finished with a tap-in from close range to round off an incredible four-goal victory. Preparations for the fourth EFL Cup final in as many years will intensify as the Blues await word on the fate of their fourth-round opponents, which is set to be confirmed on Monday. Chelsea advanced from such matches in the 2021–22 and 2018–19 seasons after losing to Arsenal in the 2017–18 competition.
Team News
While single yellow cards are eliminated following the quarterfinals, Middlesbrough attacker Morgan Rogers received his second booking of the EFL Cup during the team’s victory over Port Vale. As a result, he will miss the first leg of the match on Tuesday due to a one-game suspension. The absence of cup-tied pair Finn Azaz and Sam Greenwood, who played for Plymouth Argyle and Leeds United. Australians Samuel Silvera and Riley McGree are traveling on international duty. Senegal goalkeeper Seny Dieng will further deplete Carrick’s reserves.
Over the weekend, there were no new injury worries to report; nevertheless, Tom Smith (Achilles), Darragh Lenihan (Achilles), Lewis O’Brien (ankle), Marcus Forss (thigh), and Patrick McNair (back) are still out of action. Chelsea manager Maurizio Pochettino is having to deal with his never-ending absence problem once more. Due to his involvement in the EFL Cup while on loan from Nottingham Forest, the recently recalled Andrei Santos is likewise ineligible. Ian Maatsen’s participation is also in doubt due to rumors that he has verbally agreed to a loan move to Borussia Dortmund.
Middlesbrough 0-2 Chelsea
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