Predicted team for Middlesbrough following key injuries
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Tomorrow’s Carabao Cup match is hard to predict, as many players are out of the squad, including Cucurella, Gusto, James, Fofana, Chalobah, Lavia, Sanchez, Ugochukwu, Jackson and Nkunku.
Disasi might be the right-back choice for Pochettino, as he has played there before. However, he is not very effective on that flank, as we saw against Newcastle. Pochettino could also opt for Caicedo or Gilchrist, who are more creative.
Chilwell is the obvious left-back option, and any other decision would be a mistake by Pochettino. The centre backs will probably be Silva and Colwill, as Badiashile is not fully fit yet.
The midfield duo should be Enzo and Caicedo, with Gallagher in a more advanced role. Anything else would raise doubts about Pochettino’s tactics.
The attack is likely to remain unchanged from the Fulham game, where Chelsea won 1-0 with a penalty. Palmer, Sterling and Broja will form the front three. I am not convinced that this is the best solution, but I doubt Pochettino will change it.
My preferred team: Petrovic, Gilchrist, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell, Enzo, Caicedo, Palmer, Mudryk, Broja, Sterling.
My predicted team: Petrovic, Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell, Enzo, Caicedo, Gallagher, Sterling, Broja, Palmer.
The good news is that Madueke and Mudryk can come on as substitutes and make a difference if needed.
