Middlesbrough will be hosting Chelsea on Saturday. The fixture will take place at 10:45 pm IST on 19th March at the Riverside stadium. The teams will clash against each other in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Middlesbrough have lost each of their last 8 matches against Chelsea since 2006 without scoring even goal in that process.
Middlesbrough defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford in the 4th round of the FA Cup in penalties. Moreover, they also beat Tottenham Hotspur in the 5th round 1-0 at home to meet Chelsea in the quarter-finals. They have beat some big teams which do add some weight to their name in this year’s FA Cup campaign
Middlesbrough Form in all competitions: W W L D W
Chelsea have found their form back after winning five consecutive games since the Carabao Cup final. They beat Plymouth Argyle 2-1 in the 4th round and also beat Luton Town 2-3 in the 5th round of the FA Cup. They have avoided scares in both of these matches and might struggle against an in-form Middlesbrough side.
Chelsea Form in all competitions: W W W W W
Team News
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea: The Boro team news
Andraz Sporar and James Lea Siliki are both in doubt to face Chelsea because of illness. Anfernee Dijkseel returned to the playing XI in the 2-0 win over Birmingham. Fortunately, Chris Wilder does not have any fresh injury concerns and will likely field a 3-5-2 formation against the Blues.
Aaron Connolly and Folarin Balogun are again likely to be strike partners once again this season. Dijksteel will start alongside Dael Fry. Moreover, Neil Taylor are likely to replace Marc Bola on the left because of his extra pace.
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup
Joe Lumley; Anfernee Dijksteel, Dael Fry, Paddy McNair; Isaiah Jones, Marcus Tavernier, Jonathan Howson, Matt Crooks, Neil Taylor; Folarin Balogun, Aaron Connolly
Chelsea vs Middlesbrough: The Blues team news
Andreas Christensen was forced after a muscular problem against Lille after just 33 minutes into the game. It is unlikely for Tuchel to risk him to play against Middlesbrough in the quarter-finals. Ben Chilwell still remains sidelined until the end of the season.
Moreover, Tuchel will have to make late decisions on the inclusion of Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi. In addition, Ross Barkley and Saul Niguez also did not travel to Lille for unclear reasons. However, a quick return to home might force Tuchel to bring Lukaku, Chalobah, and Mount back into play.
Chelsea possible starting lineup
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Trevoh Chalobah, Antonio Rudiger, Malang Sarr; Hakim Ziyech, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Marcos Alonso; Mason Mount, Timo Werner; Romelu Lukaku
Our Predictions
Middlesbrough 1-3 Chelsea
Middlesbrough will have some hope of beating Chelsea after successful results against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. However, Chelsea’s side is still far superior to that of Middlesbrough and even a fatigued Blues’ side possesses the quality to beat Middlesbrough. Nevertheless, the home advantage could encourage Middlesbrough to give Chelsea a tough time.
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