Ben Chilwell And Mykhailo Mudryk To Start; Raheem Sterling On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Play Boro

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino will be encouraged by his team’s recent form, with the Blues having won 5 of their last 8 matches in all competitions.

However, their last defeat did come against their next opponents; in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final a couple of weeks ago.

The 1-0 scoreline at the Riverside Stadium doesn’t tell the whole story, though, as Middlesbrough were somewhat lucky to secure their narrow victory. Cole Palmer, especially, was guilty of missing a number of gilt-edged chances. Both he and his teammates will be looking to put things right on Tuesday evening.

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting lineup for the game at Stamford Bridge.

GK – Djordje Petrovic

The Serbian is making the No.1 jersey his own with his recent performances between the posts.

Petrovic made two excellent saves to deny Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez in the victory over Fulham last time out.

Fans will be hoping that the 24-year-old won’t be troubled too much against Boro.

The Blues will be looking to keep a clean sheet in order to give themselves the best possible chance of overturning the first-leg deficit.

RB – Axel Disasi

Malo Gusto has not been seen in training in recent days which suggests he may have a fitness issue of some kind.

The Frenchman has already spent a spell out with a knee injury earlier this season so Chelsea will be hoping that they don’t have another injury-prone right-back on their hands.

With captain Reece James out for a number of months after undergoing surgery on his hamstring, Disasi is the likeliest to fill in if Gusto is not available.

The 25-year-old has played regularly since arriving from Monaco during the summer transfer window.

CB – Thiago Silva

There will have to be a reshuffle in the backline if Disasi moves to the right-hand side of defence but Silva will, of course, be given an important role.

The 39-year-old was excellent against Fulham, making some crucial challenges, and a few clearances late on to ensure the Blues kept a clean sheet and secured the three points.

Pochettino may want to press from the front so the defence will probably play a high line on Tuesday night.

Silva’s lack of pace means that he isn’t really well suited to such tactics but his team have to push for a goal to get back into the tie.

CB – Levi Colwill

The changes in the back four and the potential absence of Gusto may see the England international move into a more central position.

Pochettino could consider recalling Benoit Badiashile but the Frenchman hasn’t exactly been in good form recently.

A lot could depend on whether vice-captain Ben Chilwell is deemed fit enough to start.

Colwill could still start at left-back if it is decided that the Middlesbrough game has come too soon for Chilwell.

LB – Ben Chilwell

The 27-year-old has played only 15 minutes since returning from a hamstring injury.

It would, therefore, be a risk to start Chilwell against Boro but they need a more attack-minded fullback on the pitch, especially if Gusto isn’t available.

Pochettino could, perhaps, get an hour out of Chilwell. It would be a surprise if he lasted the full 90 minutes considering his lack of games this season.

The last time the England international started a match was against Brighton back in late September.

CM – Moises Caicedo

The Ecuadorian did very little wrong against Fulham, being neat and tidy on the ball, whilst recovering possession on more than one occasion.

Caicedo is somewhat restricted when playing the No.6 role, and you do feel that his talents could be better served playing slightly further up the pitch.

However, Pochettino needs someone to protect the backline and Caicedo is probably the best option he has for that job at the moment.

With Chelsea expected to dominate the ball, the midfielder’s ability to keep up the tempo will be important on Tuesday evening.

CM – Enzo Fernandez

The 23-year-old now looks fully fit and that should allow him to put in a better display than he did in the first leg versus Middlesbrough.

Against Fulham, Fernandez was sharp, creating good chances for the likes of Armando Broja and Raheem Sterling.

He will need to be just as accurate with his passing to unlock what is likely to be a tightly-packed defence versus Boro.

Michael Carrick’s side will do everything they can to hold on to their first-leg lead, so expect them to sit very deep.

AM – Conor Gallagher

The midfielder could have scored with a sublime outside-of-the-boot shot against Fulham but his effort came back off the post.

It was the only real moment of quality from Gallagher, though. His endeavour and work rate are not in doubt but he is lacking in the technical department.

You do feel that he is just keeping Christopher Nkunku’s place warm while the Frenchman is sidelined with a hip problem.

The playmaker is still undergoing treatment and he will not be available for Tuesday’s match.

RW – Cole Palmer

The 21-year-old looks much more comfortable on the right wing, having been deployed as a false nine in the first leg against Middlesbrough.

Last time out versus Fulham, Palmer was very lively, with plenty of shots, neat touches and incisive passing. He also put away another penalty to secure victory.

If he can replicate that performance against Boro, you would back Chelsea to get back into this cup tie.

There is every chance that Palmer will get on the scoresheet and make amends for the misses at the Riverside Stadium.

CF – Armando Broja

There has been a lot of speculation about the Albanian international’s future this week.

Despite being the Blues’ only recognised forward in the absence of Nicolas Jackson, who is at the African Cup of Nations, reports suggest that Broja could be sold for the right price.

For now, Pochettino is likely to pick him to start, having recalled the forward to the eleven for the victory over Fulham.

Broja has to start performing on a consistent basis to convince the powers that be that it is worth retaining his services.

LW – Mykhailo Mudryk

Raheem Sterling’s form continues to fluctuate and, after another indifferent display against Fulham, this could lead to Mudryk being handed another chance to impress.

The Ukrainian may feel hard done by as he has been an unused substitute in Chelsea’s last two league matches.

Mudryk did play an hour in the FA Cup against Preston North End and another half-hour after coming on as a sub in the first leg against Boro, but Pochettino has used him sparingly.

Tuesday evening could be a perfect opportunity to recall the 23-year-old to the team. His pace and ability to commit opponents could open up the game.