Chelsea vs Middlesbrough prediction, odds and betting tips

Chelsea must overturn a first-leg deficit when they host Middlesbrough in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

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Chelsea have work to do. A dismal performance in the first leg of this EFL Cup semi-final saw Mauricio Pochettino’s men suffer a 1-0 defeat by Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

A goal from Hayden Hackney in the 37th minute was the difference between the two teams a fortnight ago. Chelsea had 72 percent possession and 18 shots, yet they were toothless in front of goal as Boro stood firm.

It was a familiar story for the west Londoners – as Pochettino himself acknowledged in a post-match interview with BBC Radio.

“We created some chances, but we were not clinical enough,” the manager admitted. “This first half of the season, we have created some chances, but we have not won because we were not clinical enough – we must keep pushing.”

Chelsea are now on thin ice. Luckily for them, the EFL Cup semi-finals provide a second chance. But just because they are in the Championship, Middlesbrough’s chances of advancing to the final should not be dismissed out of hand.

Chelsea did return to winning ways in their last Premier League fixture, beating local rivals Fulham 1-0.

It was not the most convincing display from the Blues, but they did enough to collect all three points and move back into contention for European qualification.

Chelsea have had their ups and downs in 2023/24, but they appear to be moving in the right direction – albeit slowly.

Pochettino’s side have won four of their last five Premier League games, while they will be seeking a seventh consecutive home victory when Middlesbrough make the long journey south (provided you include the penalty shoot-out triumph over Newcastle United in the quarter-finals of this competition).

Will Chelsea turn this tie around in front of their own fans, or can Middlesbrough pull off another shock to reach the Wembley showpiece?

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Chelsea vs Middlesbrough betting tips. 18+ BeGambleAware.org – Please play responsibly. 📝 Chelsea vs Middlesbrough betting tips

Chelsea should not take anything for granted when Middlesbrough head to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Chelsea to win and both teams to score – 8/5 (bet365)

Middlesbrough have had quite the run in this year’s EFL Cup. It is fair to say that none of their supporters anticipated Michael Carrick’s side being one positive result away from a place in the final.

Boro were aided by a reasonably kind draw, being paired with Huddersfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, Bradford City, Exeter City and Port Vale before this double-header against Chelsea – their first Premier League opponent. But you can only beat what is in front of you and Boro have done that well.

They are starting to motor in the Championship too. Boro started the season poorly but they have climbed up the table in recent months.

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Still, it will be tough for them to avoid defeat at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea have put up some impressive results of late.

Boro have scored in 16 of their last 17 away games in all competitions, which evidences the threat they carry on the road.

Goals at both ends looks like a good pick, then, but we ultimately fancy Chelsea to get the job done.

⚽ Go for a home win and both teams to score at 8/5 with bet365 ⚽

Chelsea to win first half – 8/13 (bet365)

Chelsea will be keen to wipe out their first-leg deficit as quickly as possible on Tuesday. The longer this match stays at 0-0, the more confident Middlesbrough will become.

Conversely, a goal for the Blues inside the first 15 minutes would lift the Stamford Bridge crowd and put Boro under the cosh.

Chelsea have a surprisingly strong first-half record so far this term. In the Premier League for instance, they are the only team yet to be behind at the interval. That is some going given they have now played 21 top-flight games.

Of course, Pochettino’s charges trailed at the midway point of the first leg two weeks back. But things should be different on familiar turf on Tuesday.

The Blues sometimes take a while to find their rhythm, but their most productive 30-minute period in the Premier League when it comes to scoring goals is between minutes 16 and 45. 

Boro will be under pressure in the opening half and we like Chelsea’s chances of being ahead at the break.

⚽ Tip Chelsea to be ahead at 8/13 with bet365 ⚽

Cole Palmer to score any time – 5/4 (bet365)

When Chelsea signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City last summer, the expectation was that he would be a fringe player initially.

Instead, the England international has been Chelsea’s standout attacking performer up to now. It was his penalty that won them the match against Fulham the weekend before last.

Palmer is reliable from 12 yards but he has also scored his fair share of goals from open play.

The former City starlet is now one of the first names on Pochettino’s team sheet, whether he starts as a No.10 or out wide.

With Chelsea needing goals against Middlesbrough, Palmer would be a wise choice to get one.

⚽ Tip Cole Palmer to score any time at 5/4 with bet365 ⚽

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About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on Twitter @GregLeaFootball

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