Middlesbrough vs Chelsea prediction, odds and preview

Middlesbrough welcome Chelsea to the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday night in their first-leg semi-final of the EFL Cup.

Michael Carrick’s team put three past Port Vale without reply in the quarter-finals, while the Blues beat Newcastle on penalties to book a place in the last four.

Chelsea have the advantage in the head-to-head record in their last three matches against the hosts, winning all three in the period.

Moreover, the Blues have won five of their last six matches in all competitions and will look to get a good result in this game ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

The hosts however have been struggling to find themselves consistent in games, as they have only won only one of their last four fixtures in all competitions.

Middlesbrough attacker Morgan Rogers is unavailable for selection due to suspension.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will not have Christopher Nkunku available for selection as the French forward is suffering from a hip injury.

The game kickstarts at 20:00 GMT.