The Carabao Cup semifinal kicks off with an enticing clash at the Riverside Stadium as Middlesbrough faces Chelsea.

The two teams approach this fixture with contrasting fortunes in their recent cup outings. Chelsea come into this match on the back of a commanding 4-0 win against Preston in the FA Cup, while Middlesbrough suffered a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in their own cup encounter.

With a place in the Carabao Cup final at stake, both teams will be eager to gain an advantage in this first leg.

Recent Form:

Chelsea’s confidence is riding high following a dominant performance in their FA Cup Round of 32 tie against Preston, securing a convincing 4-0 victory with all goals coming in the second half.

Middlesbrough, on the other hand, experienced disappointment in their FA Cup outing, falling 1-0 to Aston Villa.

Middlesbrough’s form has seen them lose three of their last 4 matches, adding urgency to their quest for a positive result.

Players to Watch:

Middlesbrough:

Jonathan Howson: The experienced midfielder for Middlesbrough holds valuable insights into facing Chelsea, having been part of the squad when they last encountered the Blues two years ago.

Howson’s leadership and experience will be pivotal for Middlesbrough in navigating this challenging tie.

Chelsea:

Armando Broja: The young striker showcased his goal-scoring prowess in the recent FA Cup victory against Preston, finding the net.

Broja, eager to make a mark, will be a player to watch for Chelsea as they aim for a strong start in the Carabao Cup semifinal.

Historical Dominance:

Chelsea have asserted dominance in recent encounters against Middlesbrough, winning each of the last five matches.

Notably, all five victories ended with Chelsea keeping a clean sheet, including four 2-0 wins.

This historical edge adds a layer of confidence to Chelsea as they face Middlesbrough once again.

Crucial First Leg:

With a place in the Carabao Cup final on the line, the importance of this first leg cannot be overstated.

Both teams will be keen to establish an advantage to carry into the return fixture.

Middlesbrough will look to turn the tide against Chelsea, while the Blues aim to maintain their historical superiority.

Potential Lineups:

Middlesbrough: 4-2-3-1 – Glover; Van den Berg, Clarke, Engel, Bangura; Barlaser, Hackney; Jones, Rogers, Greenwood; Coburn.

Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Petrovic; Gilchrist, Disasi, Silva, Gusto; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Broja.

Conclusion:

As the Carabao Cup semifinals kick off, Middlesbrough and Chelsea clash in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.

Chelsea’s recent goal-scoring prowess and historical dominance pose challenges for Middlesbrough, who are eager to reverse their fortunes.

The Riverside Stadium sets the stage for a thrilling first leg, where every goal and defensive effort will carry immense significance in the quest for a spot in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

(Cover image credit: The Sun Football)