Middlesbrough v Chelsea: FA Cup quarter-final preview

Middlesbrough’s cause might have been enhanced had Chelsea been forced to travel to Teesside by coach but, after seeing off Manchester United and Tottenham in earlier rounds, they have reasons for confidence when Thomas Tuchel’s team visit the Riverside. Yet as Chelsea flew north east – the government having increased the currently sanctioned club’s travel allowance – Chris Wilder could have been forgiven for harbouring privately conflicted emotions. Boro’s manager has made it clear promotion to the Premier League is this season’s overriding priority and an FA Cup semi-final could prove a distraction too far as his players aim to secure a Championship play-off place. Louise Taylor

Saturday 5.15pm BBC One

Venue Riverside

Head to head Middlesbrough 31 Chelsea 55 Draws 29

Referee Paul Tierney

This season G26 Y98 R2 3.85 cards/game (all competitions)

Odds H 13-2 A 1-2 D 18-5

Subs from Daniels, Bamba, Connolly, Lea-Siliki, Boola, Boyd-Munce, Coburn, Peltier, Watmore

Doubtful None

Injured McGree (calf, Apr), Payero (ankle, Apr), Ameobi (knee, unknown), Fisher (knee, unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y78 R1 (all competitions)

Form LDWLDW (all competitions)

Leading scorer Crooks 9 (all competitions)

Subs from Mendy, Bettinelli, Bergstrom, Hudson-Odoi, Simons Hall, Vale, Loftus-Cheek, Barkley, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Havertz, Kanté, James, Thiago Silva, Pulisic

Doubtful Christensen (match fitness), James (knock), Hudson-Odoi (achilles)

Injured Saúl (Covid, unknown), Chilwell (knee, unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y72 R1 (all competitions)

Form DWWWWW (all competitions)

Leading scorers Havertz, Lukaku 11 (all competitions)