MIDDLESBROUGH welcome Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday. Tom Winch (@WinchySFP) picks out his favourite fancy.
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea | Saturday 19th March 2022, 17:15 | BBC
It’s FA Cup action as Middlesbrough host Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening. The hosts have been on an impressive run in this competition, Manchester United and Tottenham were both eliminated by the Championship club in the previous two rounds.
Chelsea breezed passed National League Chesterfield in early January but struggled against League One outfit, Plymouth, at Stamford Bridge where the home side needed an extra time winner to sneak through. The Blues were hit with another scare as they visited Luton, who were in front at the break but a dominant second 45 from was enough to turn the tie around and send Chelsea into the next round.
Middlesbrough have been near on immaculate when playing at the Riverside over the past few months, winning 8 of 9 games in all competitions alongside the draw against Conte’s Spurs.
William Hill are offering 8/5 for Chris Wilder’s men to not lose the match which seems a nice price.
I’m leaning towards a Bet Builder for this FA Cup clash which pays even money via Bet 365.
Just 2/19 Middlesbrough home matches this campaign have had 4 or more goals whereas Chelsea have seen 4 match goals or more in 6/22 away fixtures.
Paul Tierney takes charge of this game on Saturday evening, in his 21 Premier League appointments he’s given each side a card 19 times.
Chelsea have received a booking in 86% of Premier League matches this campaign and have seen a card in all three previous FA Cup ties.
Middlesbrough aren’t shy of receiving a card, 92% of league games this season has seen them pick up at least 1. Against Man United and Spurs they picked up a caution on both occasions.
Looking at this game you’d expect it to be a tight fixture, Wilder will set up in a compact manor and won’t want Chelsea to get in behind the defence. The Riverside is sold out which will give the home players a bigger boost and will be full of confidence after recent home performances as well as knocking out Premier League opposition back to back.
Best Bets
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea – Both Teams Over 0 Cards and Under 4 Goals (1/1 Bet365)
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea – Middlesbrough Double Chance (8/5 William Hill)
