| Chelsea vs Middlesbrough | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Chelsea vs Middlesbrough
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COMPETITION :
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EFL Cup
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| DATE: |
10-01-2024
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST (UTC +5:30)
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Riverside Stadium
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Predicted Line-Up
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Glover; Van den Berg, Clarke, Fry, Bangura; Howson, Barlaser; Jones, Crooks, Latte Lath; Coburn
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gallagher, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Broja
In the lead-up to the upcoming EFL Cup match, both Middlesbrough and Chelsea are grappling with challenges related to player availability. Here's a breakdown of the key developments:
Middlesbrough:
Morgan Rogers is set to miss the first leg due to a suspension incurred after receiving his second booking in the EFL Cup against Port Vale.
Cup-tied players Finn Azaz and Sam Greenwood, who represented Plymouth Argyle and Leeds United earlier in the tournament, won't be available.
International duties rule out Samuel Silvera and Riley McGree, as well as Senegal goalkeeper Seny Dieng.
Several players, including Tom Smith (Achilles), Darragh Lenihan (Achilles), Lewis O'Brien (ankle), Marcus Forss (thigh), and Patrick McNair (back), continue to be sidelined with injuries.
Chelsea:
- Christopher Nkunku is sidelined due to a new hip injury and won't be fit for the first leg.
- Players like Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), and Benoit Badiashile (unspecified) have returned to full training but remain uncertain for the upcoming match.
- Various injuries have ruled out key players such as Reece James (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (knee), Marc Cucurella (ankle), Robert Sanchez (knee), Lesley Ugochukwu (hamstring), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), and Romeo Lavia (thigh).
- Nicolas Jackson's AFCON call-up further complicates Chelsea's selection.
- Ineligible players include Andrey Santos, who represented Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup during his loan spell, and the uncertain participation of Ian Maatsen amid reports of a loan move to Borussia Dortmund.
The intricacies of player availability will undoubtedly impact the lineups and tactical approaches of both Middlesbrough and Chelsea in the crucial first leg of the EFL Cup.