Chelsea first-leg game vs Middlesbrough will be an away match
Chelsea will travel to Middlesbrough to face them in the first leg of the semi-final of the Carabao Cup. The Blues have gone two seasons without winning any trophies, and this will be a good shot at getting their hands on domestic silverware.
The club has greatly transformed under Mauricio Pochettino, and winning the Carabao Cup will send a message that the club has made massive strides under the Argentine manager.
Pochettino has plenty of injuries on his list including Christopher Nkuku who is out of the game. The 51-year-old will deploy a strong XI, so let’s take a look at the lineup the former Southampton manager will use.
Cheslea predicted XI vs. Middlesbrough
GK: Dorde Petrovic
With Robert Sanchez injured, Petrovic has taken up the responsibility of manning the posts, and the Serbian has done a great job since his debut, making some delightful saves. His performance has seen him named Premier League Goalkeeper of the Month.
RB: Malo Gusto
With Reece James injured, Malo Gusto will be picked to start for Chelsea against Middlesbrough. The former Olympique Lyon fullback has been excellent for the Blues and has brilliantly filled in James’ void.
CB: Thiago Silva
The Argentine manager has plenty of options to use at the back, but he is expected to use Silva because of his vast experience. It will depend on Pochettino’s thinking though, as he can also use Benoit Badiashile or Axel Disasi.
CB: Benoit Badiashile
Benoit Badiashile could pair with Silva at the back. The Frenchman has impressed Pochettino, and since returning from his injury, he has featured in all the matches.
LB: Levi Colwill
With all the left-backs injured, Levi Colwill is anticipated to start Chelsea’s Carabao semi-final game. The 21-year-old has done well operating as a fullback.
DM: Moises Caicedo
The Ecuadorian should be in the lineup to face Middlesbrough, as he has brought balance to midfield. With each game, Caicedo has matured, and his ability to make clean tackles makes him a standout midfielder for us.
CM: Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez was on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win over Preston. This keeps the Argentine tally to four goals this season, which isn’t bad for a midfielder who has been most important for us.
CM: Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher’s presence has been most valuable to us; he has been sensational and given us so much energy in midfield with his pressing and dispossession of the opponents. So we can expect him to start tonight.
LW: Mykhaylo Mudryk
Mudryk has significantly modified his game under Pochettino, and we witness him doing things that stun us every time he plays. The forward forced penalties in the quarterfinal matchup with Newcastle United by scoring an equalizer in the dying minutes of regular time.
RW: Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has been the engine for us; he has made things happen, and his creativity is top-notch, which helps us exploit the space. He will certainly be in the lineup. The former Manchester City player has eight goals in the Premier League.
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CF: Armando Broja
With Nicolas Jackson participating in AFCON, Broja will have to burden the goalscoring responsibilities. Hopefully, the goal he scored in the FA Cup against Preston will help him gain some confidence for his upcoming matches.