This is a Chelsea predicted lineup vs Middlesbrough for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash. The Blues are aiming to make it four wins on the bounce after triumphing over Preston North End, Luton Town, and Crystal Palace.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Middlesbrough for January 9
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How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Djordje Petrović has established his position as the number-one goalkeeper in recent weeks. Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, and Alfie Gilchrist have lined up as part of an at-times makeshift back four.
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Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher has been the more prolific double pivot recently with Enzo Fernandez returning to partner the former as the defensive midfield duo against Preston.
In attack, Mykhailo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja, Christopher Nkunku, and Nicolas Jackson have all seen the pitch although the latter two are unavailable for this fixture.
Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics
Mauricio Pochettino has been loyal to his 4-2-3-1 setup throughout this tumultuous season. This commitment has started paying off with his side winning four matches in a row, and having five wins from their past six outings. Their form is ticking upwards as they head into a crucial semi-final tie in the cup.
Goalscoring no longer appears to be a problem after finding the back of the net seven times in their past two outings. A clean sheet this past weekend will also be a good site for the manager and his squad after appearing leaky in the past month or so.
Chelsea Injures to Consider
According to the latest injury update the team could be without as many as 12 different players for this clash. The trio of Ben Chilwell, Benoit Badiashile, and Carney Chukwuemeka have returned to full training but the assumption is they won’t be ready to start just yet.
Christopher Nkunku is back on the sidelined alongside Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Robert Sanchez, and Lesley Ugochukwu. Jackson is also unavailable as he is competing for Senegal at the African Cup of Nations.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
GK – Djorje Petrović
LB – Levi Colwill
CB – Axel Disasi
CB – Thiago Silva
RB – Malo Gusto
DM – Conor Gallagher
DM – Enzo Fernandez
AM – Cole Palmer
AM – Raheem Sterling
AM – Noni Madueke
ST – Armando Broja
