Middlesbrough (MIDD) will host Chelsea (CHE) in the first leg of the English League Cup 2023-24 semi-finals to be played at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, England. The MIDD vs CHE Carabao Cup 2023-24 match will start at 1:30 AM IST on Wednesday, January 10.
Under manager Michael Carrick, Middlesbrough secured their place in the last four after beating Port Vale 3-0 in the quarter-finals.
On the other hand, Chelsea defeated last season’s finalists Newcastle United in a nail-biting penalty shootout in the quarters to book their place in the semi-finals
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea form guide
Middlesbrough: L, L, W, L, W
Chelsea: W, W, W, L, W
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea head-to-head
The Middlesbrough vs Chelsea head-to-head record favours the Blues. Chelsea have won 57 of the 117 matches that they have played so far. Middlesbrough have registered 31 victories, while 29 matches have ended in draws.
The last time these two sides met, Chelsea secured a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough in a FA Cup quarter-final encounter at the Riverside Stadium in March 2022.
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea Dream11 fantasy football prediction for English League Cup 2023-24
Chelsea head into the game high on confidence, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions.
Middlesbrough, on the other hand, have suffered three defeats and registered two wins in their last five clashes.
Furthermore, Chelsea have a superior head-to-head record against Middlesbrough and will start as favourites in the first leg encounter.
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea fantasy football team tips for English League Cup 2023-24
Top tip: Best forward
Chelsea star forward Raheem Sterling will lead the front line in their semi-final clash against Middlesbrough. The 29-year-old has netted seven goals and provided six assists in 22 matches across all competitions this season. He will look to continue his good form against the EFL Championship side and will be a quality fantasy pick at 9 credits.
Top tip: Best midfielder
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer will be a player to watch out for in the midfield. The young footballer has been one of the standout players for the Blues this season, having scored 10 goals in 23 matches. The 21-year-old has also registered seven assists including two assists in the ongoing English League Cup. At 9 credits, Cole Palmer will be a great fantasy pick for this clash.
Top tip: Best defender and goalkeeper
Among the defenders, Chelsea’s experienced footballer Thiago Silva will be the overwhelming choice for this clash at 7.5 credits. The 39-year-old will play a key role alongside Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill in the defence. Silva will aim to bring his experience into play to put the Blues in an advantageous position heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
For the goalkeeper spot, Middlesbrough’s Tom Glover will be the preferred choice over Dorde Petrovic of Chelsea. The 26-year-old Australian goalkeeper Glover kept a clean sheet against Port Vale in the quarter-finals to guide his side to the last four. Glover will be a worthy fantasy pick for this clash at 6 credits.
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea playing XI (probable)
Middlesbrough playing XI (probable): Tom Glover (goalkeeper); Rav Van den Berg, Matthew Clarke, Dael Fry, Alex Bangura; Jonny Howson, Daniel Barlaser; Isaiah Jones, Matt Crooks, Latte Lath; Josh Coburn
Chelsea playing XI (probable): Dorde Petrovic (goalkeeper); Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill; Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez; Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling; Armando Broja
Photo credit: Alamy
