EFL Cup Preview: Middlesbrough vs Chelsea Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Jan 9)

• Chelsea chasing a sixth EFL Cup success this season
• Middlesbrough famously won the EFL Cup in 2004

Just four teams remain in the hunt for the EFL Cup this season, and the semi-finals take place this week. Middlesbrough will understand the importance of their first leg against Chelsea on Tuesday, as the Blues travel to the Riverside.

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How To Watch

• When: Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 3:00 p.m ET
• Where: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, England
• How To Watch: ESPN

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Odds

Match Result	Odds
Middlesbrough
Draw
Chelsea

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Match Preview

Mauricio Pochettino’s debut season at Stamford Bridge will likely be judged on whether he is able to win any silverware with the Blues. The EFL Cup could present the Argentine with his best chance of winning a trophy, as the Blues are within two victories of booking a spot in a domestic final at Wembley.

Chelsea have cruised through the competition to this point, with wins across the second round and quarterfinals all being picked up at Stamford Bridge. Their most recent success came at home against Newcastle, as the Blues scored a dramatic late equalizer before claiming success on penalties. Chelsea will be looking for their first EFL Cup success since 2015.

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‘Delicate, effortless, quality.’ 👌#CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/XhcZKCaIPE

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 7, 2024

Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough have upset the odds in the EFL Cup this term, as very few people would have given them a chance of reaching this stage of the competition. Boro famously won this tournament back in 2003-04, as they beat Bolton in the final in Cardiff.

It has been a straightforward passage through to this stage of the competition for the side from the North East, as they haven’t come up against a team from either the Premier League or Championship to this point. In the previous round, Boro landed an easy 3-0 win on the road against Port Vale.

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Middlesbrough vs Chelsea Prediction

Middlesbrough made life very difficult for Aston Villa in the FA Cup over the weekend, and another strong defensive performance will be required on Tuesday. However, we find it hard to overlook Chelsea’s clear credentials to take a first leg advantage.

Free Pick: