Football
Soccer

    Robbie Savage Carabao Cup predictions: Middlesbrough to push Chelsea close in semi-final opener

    Robbie SavageRobbie Savage8 January 2024
    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino

    Chelsea’s pursuit of their first trophy in two years sees them travel to the Riverside stadium this Tuesday night for the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final (2000 GMT).

    Middlesbrough won this competition back in 2004 and Michael Carrick will see this as a realistic opportunity of winning his first trophy as manager.

    Carrick’s men have endured a rollercoaster season, one which sees them sit 12th in the Championship table.

    Boro famously won this trophy back in 2004. That continues to be the last piece of silverware which the club has claimed.

    Getting one over Chelsea certainly won’t be easy. Carrick’s men have lost four of their last five at home, losing to Aston Villa in the FA Cup last time out.

    Since winning the FIFA Club World Cup in February 2022, Chelsea’s fortunes have been none-existent.

    The Blues finished 12th in the Premier League last season and sit 10th this term as their huge transfer investments continue to underdeliver.

    Progress under Mauricio Pochettino has been steady, though the Blues are still miles away from the trophy winning machine they once were.

    Chelsea have only picked up one away win in five outings. With that in mind, we’re expecting a close encounter at the Riverside.

    Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage believes Chelsea will face a tough test in the North East.

    Here are Robbie’s thoughts on the game. Below you will find more tips from Planet Sport.

     

    Robbie's prediction

     

    I think Chelsea will go through overall. They’re on the back of beating Newcastle on penalties.

    Middlesbrough have lost four of their last five home games. Losing against Aston Villa to a late goal in the FA Cup.

    The last time these two teams met was in the FA Cup two years ago when Chelsea won 2-0.

    Chelsea go to Middlesbrough, I think it could be a draw. If there was going to be a winner, I’d go Chelsea.

    I’m going for 1-1 [in the first leg] but Chelsea to go through overall.

     

    Key stats

    - Middlesbrough have lost four of their last five games at home (all competitions)

    - Chelsea have won just one of their last five away games (all competitions)

    - Last meeting took place in 2022, with Chelsea winning 2-0 in the FA Cup

     

    Related News