EFL Cup: Middlesbrough vs Chelsea match preview, predictions, possible line up, time and where to watch

The upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Middlesbrough and Chelsea promises to be an intriguing encounter. Set for January 9, 2024, the match will kick off at 9pm WAT at Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough, under Michael Carrick, have had a mixed bag of results recently. They secured a spot in the semi-finals with a 3-0 win against Port Vale, but their form has dipped with only one win in their last four games, including a 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

Key players like Jonny Howson, Morgan Rogers, and Matt Crooks have been impactful, but the team will miss Lewis O'Brien, Darragh Lenihan, Tommy Smith, Anfernee Dijksteel, Marcus Forss, and Paddy McNair due to injuries. Additionally, Riley McGree, Sammy Silvera, and Seny Dieng are unavailable due to international duty.

Chelsea, led by Mauricio Pochettino, are in better form with three consecutive wins, including a 4-0 victory against Preston North End in the FA Cup, featuring goals from Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Enzo Fernández.

However, they have a lengthy list of absentees, including Christopher Nkunku and Benoit Badiashile, due to injuries.

Historically, Chelsea have been dominant in this fixture, winning 57 of the 117 meetings since 1907. 

They have won their last nine encounters against Middlesbrough, including three times in the Carabao Cup.

Given their current form and historical dominance, Chelsea is favoured to claim a victory and advance to the next round of the FA Cup. 

Middlesbrough's recent home form has been poor, with defeats in four of their last five home games, while Chelsea have won five of their last six games in all competitions. A comfortable win for Chelsea seems likely, and the odds of a clean sheet also look promising.

The match will be broadcast live on cable TV in Nigeria, with coverage starting at 9 p.m. WAT. Fans can also stream the match live online via the Sky Go app and website.