Chelsea vs. Middlesbrough: Carabao Cup Semifinal Second Leg Preview
Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM GMT / 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Live Stream: ESPN+ (US), Sky Sports (UK), DAZN Canada, beIN Sports (Australia)
The Storyline:
Chelsea and Middlesbrough will face off in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal tie at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. The Blues will be looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at the Riverside Stadium.
Chelsea have been in impressive form since the turn of the year, winning seven of their last eight games in all competitions. They have also kept clean sheets in each of their last four matches.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have been struggling for form in recent weeks. They have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, and they have conceded nine goals in their last three matches.
Team News:
Chelsea will be without the services of Christopher Nkunku, who is out with a hamstring injury. Armando Broja is expected to start up front in Nkunku’s absence.
Middlesbrough will be without Isaiah Jones and Jonny Howson, who are both doubtful with injuries. Hayden Hackney, who scored the only goal in the first leg, is expected to start up front for Boro.
Key Players:
Chelsea:
- Kai Havertz: The German forward has been in excellent form for Chelsea this season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions. He will be looking to add to his tally against Middlesbrough.
- Hakim Ziyech: The Moroccan winger has been one of Chelsea’s most creative players this season, and he will be looking to provide some magic against Middlesbrough.
- Thiago Silva: The Brazilian defender has been a rock at the back for Chelsea this season, and he will be looking to keep a clean sheet against Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough:
- Hayden Hackney: The young striker scored the only goal in the first leg, and he will be looking to add to his tally at Stamford Bridge.
- Duncan Watmore: The experienced forward has been in good form for Middlesbrough this season, and he will be looking to cause problems for the Chelsea defense.
- Paddy McNair: The Northern Ireland international has been a key player for Middlesbrough this season, and he will be looking to help his team keep a clean sheet against Chelsea.
Prediction:
Chelsea are the clear favorites to win this match, but Middlesbrough have shown that they are capable of causing an upset. I predict that Chelsea will win 2-0 and advance to the final.
How to Watch the Match:
The Carabao Cup semifinal second leg between Chelsea and Middlesbrough will be televised live on ESPN+ in the United States, Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, DAZN Canada in Canada, and beIN Sports in Australia.
VPN Guide:
If you are unable to watch the match locally, you can use a VPN to access a live stream of the game. A VPN will allow you to change your virtual location, so you can appear to be in a country where the match is being broadcast.
To use a VPN to watch the Carabao Cup semifinal second leg, follow these steps:
- Choose a VPN provider that offers servers in the country where the match is being broadcast.
- Download and install the VPN software on your device.
- Connect to a VPN server in the country where the match is being broadcast.
- Open the streaming service app or website and sign in.
- Find the match you want to watch and start streaming.
Conclusion:
The Carabao Cup semifinal second leg between Chelsea and Middlesbrough is set to be a thrilling encounter. Chelsea will be looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at the Riverside Stadium, while Middlesbrough will be looking to cause an upset and reach the final.
I predict that Chelsea will win 2-0 and advance to the final. However, Middlesbrough have shown that they are capable of causing an upset, so anything is possible.