This is a Chelsea predicted lineup for their crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash with Middlesbrough. The Championship team leads proceedings following a 1-0 win at home leaving the Premier League side with an uphill battle at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Middlesbrough in EFL Cup Semi-Final
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How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Djordje Petrović has been the number one option between the sticks since the injury to Robert Sanchez. The back line is depleted leaving Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, and Malo Gusto as the regulars, an FA Cup start for Alfie Gilchrist was the only major change.
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Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have been operating in the defensive midfield pivot with Conor Gallagher, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, or Noni Madueke starting in the attacking spots. Armando Broja is the first-choice striker in the absence of Nicolas Jackson, although Palmer did start as a false nine of sorts in the first leg.
Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics
Mauricio Pochettino has been strict in the use of his 4-2-3-1 formation which, to his credit, is largely fluid when on the field. In action, it can look more like a 4-3-3 but it all starts with the base 4-2-3-1 set-up. The only recent blip on the record was the defeat to Middlesbrough with wins coming either side of it.
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After a run of high-scoring matches the Blues are back to being rather tame in front of goal after drawing a blank in the first leg and needing a penalty to get past Fulham. They will be happy to see the defence get back on track with two clean sheets in their last three outings after an extended run without one.
Chelsea Absences to Consider
Things are not rosy at Cobham as the injury report has grown once again with some new additions. Deputy full-back Gusto has now joined Reece James on the sidelines leaving the team with very few options at right back. Jackson is representing Senegal at the African Cup of Nations and remains unavailable.
Other names on the injured list are Trevoh Chalobah, Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, and Lesley Ugochukwu. This brings the total number of players unavailable for selection against Middlesbrough to 10.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
GK – Djordje Petrović
LB – Levi Colwill
CB – Thiago Silva
CB – Axel Disaso
RB – Alfie Gilchrist
DM – Enzo Fernandez
DM – Moises Caicedo
AM – Cole Palmer
AM – Raheem Sterling
AM – Conor Gallagher
ST – Armando Broja
