Boro vs Chelsea betting tips: FA Cup quarter-final preview and predictions

Recommended bets

Chelsea are unbeaten in 24 cup matches against lower-league opposition, winning their last eight matches against Middlesbrough. Boro though are unbeaten in nine home games, dating back to 23 November.

Both teams to score is 4/5.

Chelsea to win and both teams to score is 9/4.

Romelu Lukaku has scored 15 goals in 22 FA Cup appearances. He is 10/3 to break the deadlock and 10/11 to add to this tally.

Match preview

Luton Town v Chelsea: The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round LUTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Timo Werner of Chelsea scores their team's second goal past Harvey Isted of Luton Town during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Luton Town and Chelsea at Kenilworth Road on March 02, 2022 in Luton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Despite the fact the Premier League title will very much prove to be beyond them, Chelsea could yet end this season with four trophies.

The UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup are in the bag and, since Thomas Tuchel's arrival, the Blues have never failed to reach the final of any knockout competition.

On Wednesday night, they continued that record by beating LOSC Lille 2-1 at Stade Pierre-Mauroy to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

Christian Pulisic and César Azpilicueta on target as they advanced 4-1 on aggregate, the only side to win both legs of their round of 16 tie.

In the FA Cup, Chelsea first hammered Chesterfield before rather nervier wins over Plymouth Argyle and, in the last round, Luton Town.

The Blues have appeared in four of the last five FA Cup Finals, losing three of them, and are now just one away from a 12th semi-final appearance this century.

In spite of all the off-field issues following Roman Abramovich's government sanctions, will Chelsea march on to Wembley?

Middlesbrough though have proved themselves to be quite adept at causing upsets in this year's FA Cup.

Boro's run actually began with a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Mansfield Town, getting through courtesy of a 95th minute own goal at Field Mill.

But, since then, Chris Wilder's side have knocked out Manchester United, winning a penalty shootout at Old Trafford, before downing Tottenham.

19 year old local-lad Josh Coburn coming off the bench to fire home the winner against Spurs mid-way through extra time.

So, Middlesbrough are on the verge of their first semi-final for 16 years, last appearing in the final in 1997 when they lost to Chelsea.

In league terms, Boro beat Birmingham 2-0 on Tuesday with January loan signings Aaron Connolly and Folarin Balogun both on target.

This leaves them seventh, just below the Championship play-off places.

Now though, having dumped out two clubs with 20 FA Cups to their name, will another eight-times winners suffer defeat at the Riverside?

Middlesbrough team news

Manchester United v Middlesbrough: The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Matt Crooks of Middlesbrough celebrates after scoring during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on February 04, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Anyone who watched Chris Wilder's Sheffield United play will be familiar with his 3-5-2 system that's been swiftly implemented at Boro.

Star striker Andraž Šporar, on loan from Sporting CP, has missed the last two games so is a doubt for this one too.

Fellow loanees Folarin Balogun and Aaron Connolly, from Arsenal and Brighton respectively, got the nod on Tuesday and both could keep their places.

Further back, Anfernee Dijksteel and Paddy McNair have both been excellent this season as part of the back three.

Jonny Howson, Marcus Tavernier and Matt Crooks were the midfield trio that dominated Spurs and they'll be looking to do the same here too.

Chelsea team news

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea reacts after their 2nd goal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on January 5, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel might rotate his squad in certain areas after a Champions League trip to Northern France as recently as Wednesday.

Romelu Lukaku hasn't started a game since infamously accumulating just seven touches against Crystal Palace on 19 February.

However, the Belgian could come in, looking to add to his 15 FA Cup goals.

Only three non-British players have more cup goals in the 150 year history of the competition: Olivier Giroud, Jermaine Beckford and Sergio Agüero.

In defence, Andreas Christensen hobbled off on Wednesday so is a major doubt; Trevoh Chalobah would come in, just as he did during the Lille game.

At wing-back, both Reece James and Ben Chilwell are out so César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso will keep their places.

Premier League table:

Championship table:

- 101 Great Goals may earn commission from links on this page. Our content is always original. Note that all of our reviewers are compensated for contributing content to 101 Great Goals. Learn more.