In the first round of the EFL Cup, Middlesbrough defeated Chelsea at home. Middlesbrough is the only non-Premier League team in this year's Top 4, and their strength is not the same as the other 3 teams. They were eliminated from the EFL Cup in the last match when they challenged Aston Villa, but failed miserably, so they will not be able to do anything even if they have the advantage tonight. The "Blue Warriors" are in good form, and with fewer defeats against lower division rivals in recent years, they are expected to turn the tables on the visitors, so an away win is worth backing. (Live on HOY TV 77 at 4am on Wednesday)
Chelsea was in the reorganization stage this season, and their performance was undoubtedly disappointing to the fans. However, after half a season of integration, their performance has slowly stabilized, and they have recorded their second 3 consecutive victories in the EFL Cup this season with a 4-0 thrashing of Preston at home. The attacking line led by Galpenma, Staanen and Medilli is starting to spark, and has been getting better and better recently, scoring 9 goals in the last 3 matches, returning to the level of firepower it deserves.
In fact, the quality of Chelsea's players is not in doubt, as they seldom lose against lower division teams. Together with Preston, who just knocked out of the Championship, Chelsea has been undefeated in 28 consecutive matches in the Local Cup against lower division teams. Moreover, the London club has a good record against Middlesbrough. Chelsea have won the past 9 matches, and all 9 matches were returned with "eggs", which is a clear indication that the club is hungry.
