Despite Chelsea's 18 shots and several missed opportunities, they were unable to find the net in the previous encounter. The season has been somewhat disappointing for Chelsea, but they managed to secure a 1-0 victory against Fulham in their last match, placing them in ninth position in the Premier League table.
With only one point behind seventh-placed Manchester United, Mauricio Pochettino's team has won four of their last five games, including a convincing 4-0 victory over Preston North End in the FA Cup third round.
Chelsea is scheduled to face Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, and their next Premier League match is on January 31 against Liverpool. Having won the League Cup five times, Chelsea progressed to the semi-finals by defeating AFC Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackburn Rovers, and Newcastle United.
Middlesbrough, aware of the challenge they face, holds onto the advantage given by Hackney's goal in the first leg. They have a history of success in the League Cup, winning in 2004 by overcoming tough opponents like Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively, before defeating Bolton Wanderers in the final.
Carrick's side, having beaten Huddersfield Town, Bolton, Bradford City, Exeter City, and Port Vale in this season's EFL Cup, enters this match following a 1-1 draw with Rotherham United in the Championship, placing them 11th in the table. Middlesbrough finished fourth in the Championship last season but was defeated by Coventry City in the playoff semi-finals.
Currently three points off the playoffs, Middlesbrough aims for a top-six finish, with their immediate focus on the intriguing clash at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Chelsea continues to grapple with significant injury woes this season, and they will once again be without several key players in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.Injuries sideline Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez, and Lesley Ugochukwu. Nicolas Jackson is also unavailable as he is representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
While Ben Chilwell returned from a long-term hamstring issue in the last match against Fulham, manager Pochettino will exercise caution regarding his fitness. The potential change to the lineup might see Armando Broja making way for Noni Madueke in a wide position, with Palmer taking on a central role.
Middlesbrough faces their own set of challenges, with Darragh Lenihan, Tom Smith, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Alex Bangura ruled out due to injuries. Additionally, Seny Dieng is on international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Sam Silvera and Riley McGree are representing Australia at the Asian Cup. Latte Lath's absence might lead to Marcus Forss taking a central role, and Morgan Rogers playing in a deeper position, considering Sam Greenwood is cup-tied.
Jonny Howson is expected to be fit after missing the Rotherham match with a knock. However, there's uncertainty regarding Jones, who suffered a hamstring issue and had to be substituted off on Saturday, making him a significant doubt for the upcoming game.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, T Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Gallagher, Sterling; Palmer
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Glover; Ayling, Fry, Clarke, Engel; Barlaser, Howson; Hackney, Rogers, Azaz; Forss
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-1 Middlesbrough
The upcoming second leg on Tuesday is anticipated to be a tense affair. While Boro has the capability to score, Chelsea is likely to find a way to secure a spot in the final, possibly even through a penalty shootout.
