Chelsea’s only chance for silverware this season?
CHELSEA VS MIDDLESBROUGH
Chelsea will be facing Middlesbrough in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup this season, Courtesy of Mykhailo Mudryk’s last-minute equalizer at Stamford Bridge against Newcastle United which took the game to penalties. Later it was Djorde Petrovic’s heroic save that earned them a spot in the semi-finals.
Chelsea was the second name in the draw, meaning they will be facing Middlesbrough away from home in the first leg, before returning to Stamford Bridge for a second match later in January in their last season of two-legged semis in this competition.
It will be the first encounter between Chelsea and Middlesbrough since March 2022, when the Blues won 2-0 in an FA Cup quarter-final at the Riverside Stadium thanks to goals from Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech in the first half.
These two sides have met before in Cup playoffs as well, back in the 90s Chelsea faced Middlesbrough in the FA Cup final of 1997.
Chelsea lifted the trophy the last time they faced the championship side.
Can Chelsea do it again?
Chelsea has been a struggling side for the past two seasons, with changes in powers, ownership, and management. Chelsea is currently going through a rough patch, but the new manager Mauricio Pochettino has given the team a certain ray of hope.
This is by far Chelsea’s youngest team of the season. It may sound like an excuse, but it is quite a task to manage a young side for a manager like Pochettino.
After 19 games in the premier league, Chelsea stands in the 10th position, at halfway. At this stage, it might need a miracle for Chelsea to win the Premier League or rather finish top 4.
But the Carabao Cup semis might be what Chelsea has been searching for all season. This stands as their only realistic chance to win silverware this season.
Chelsea might be favourites going into the match but they still have some Gray areas to be covered which might cost them the game.
Chelsea have missed 36 big chances in all competitions this season, which is a cause of worry. But with the upcoming January transfer window, they will be eyeing to sign an Offensive striker which might just get them the goals they need in the final third.
Currently, Chelsea is still yet to find a balanced lineup due to their injuries.
Let’s have a look at Chelsea’s injury list.
1.Wesley Fofana
2.Reece James
3.Marc Cucurella
4.Ben Chilwell
5.Carney Chukwuemeka
6.Enzo Fernandes
7.Robert Sanchez
8.Trevoh Chalobah
9.lesley Ugochukwu
KEY PLAYERS:
Christopher Nkunku- The main big-money signing for Chelsea, who has come back after an injury might prove to be the missing piece in their attack.
Mykhailo Mudryk- Mudryk has scored in 2 out of the 3 games that he has started. With his lightning pace, he might be another threat to look out for.
Predicted XI (4-2-1-3)
Match Telecast
Television: ESPN+
OTT streaming platform: Fancode
Time – 8:00pm(GMT) /1:30 am(IST)
