FA Cup quarter-final: Chelsea seeking to end Middlesbrough's dream cup run

Middlesbrough’s incredible FA Cup has reached the quarter-final stage, with the Championship side playing host to Chelsea at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

The game has had a rather strange build up, with an arm wrestle between the clubs over ticketing, yet the upshot is that Boro will be backed by a bumper home crowd, having put their guests’ allocation up for local sale.

Middlesborough can be backed 7.2 to continue their incredible run by winning in normal time, while Chelsea are 1.54 to overcome their off-field issues and progress in another competition in 90 minutes. The draw is on offer at 4.5.

Boro’s dream run

Seventh in the Championship and still fighting for the playoffs, Middlesbrough are enjoying a fine season. It could be elevated to legendary levels if they continue to progress in the FA Cup, a competition in which they have already beaten Manchester United on penalties and Tottenham after extra-time.

And they are a side not to be underestimated at home. They have lost only four of 19 fixtures at the Riverside this season, with two of them coming before the middle of September.

Indeed, their overall form in recent weeks has been strong. They have lost only three of their last 12, including seven victories.

Chelsea defying their issues

Chelsea, meanwhile, have had a difficult time off the field for the last week due to sanctions put in place by the UK government against owner Roman Abramovich. Crucially, these have been eased marginally for the team, meaning that they will not face a lengthy coach trip for this match.

The Blues have won three from three over this testing period. Performances have not been spectacular by any means, though they have stabilised themselves after a testing festive period. Indeed, they showed a degree of mental fortitude in midweek, when they came from behind to win in Lille.

With 11 wins in their last 12 games – the exception a League Cup final loss on penalties to in-form Liverpool – Chelsea’s form on the field is as smooth as their situation away from it is complicated.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has seen his side keep winning despite their well-documented off-pitch problems

Blues to bury Boro

Look for Middlesbrough’s fine cup run to come to an end on Saturday, with Chelsea to win in normal time. The Blues may be in turmoil, but on the field, they are considerably more reliable than either Man United or Tottenham and have a good deal more strength in depth than both.

In the goalscorer’s market, Romelu Lukaku is a strong candidate to find the net. Disappointed on his return to Chelsea this season, he has been something of a flat-track bully against weaker opponents and has netted in two of three FA Cup games, as well as in the two Club World Cup matches he played in Dubai. Benched in midweek, it would be a big surprise if he was not given plenty of game time.

Recommended bets

Chelsea @ 1.54

Romelu Lukaku anytime @ 2.32