Betting tips for Middlesbrough vs Chelsea: FA Cup preview and odds

Chelsea's hectic schedule continues on Saturday when they make the trip up to the north-east to face Middlesbrough in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

While the clash at the Riverside will be the Blues’ sixth game of March already, Thomas Tuchel’s side have managed the workload well so far and look capable of another cup win before a well-deserved international break.

Middlesbrough vs Chelsea betting tips

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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Busy Blues have class to progress

On the face of it, draws against Chesterfield United, Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town in the previous rounds look like an extremely kind route to the last eight of the FA Cup, but Chelsea’s progress has been bumpier than expected.

Following a comfortable 5-1 win over Chesterfield at Stamford Bridge, the European and world champions required extra time to beat Plymouth in south-west London in the fourth round.

Chelsea were then given another scare at Luton in the fifth round as they twice found themselves a goal down before winning 3-2 against the Hatters.

As for Middlesbrough, the Championship side have slayed some giants on their way to the FA Cup quarter-finals this season. After battling past Mansfield Town, Boro beat Manchester United on penalties at Old Trafford, before an extra-time win on home soil against Tottenham.

Chris Wilder’s side, who are also firmly in the play-off picture this season, have shown they are more than capable of scoring against Premier League opposition.

But while Boro might well cause Chelsea serious problems and get on the scoresheet in the process, the Blues look like they have enough quality to secure the win in 90 minutes this weekend.

Tip: Chelsea to win and both teams to score @ 21/10 with Coral

Lukaku can add to cup tally

Having found the back of the net in the games against Chesterfield and Luton this season, Romelu Lukaku looks more than capable of getting on the scoresheet at the Riverside. And six of his 11 goals for Chelsea this season have come in cup competitions.

It’s fair to say the Belgium striker has not enjoyed the season he would have liked on his return to Stamford Bridge but there is no doubting his ability in front of goal when he’s on form.

His technical ability and power in and around the box should cause Boro problems and if he does get one goal, that confidence boost could see him go on to get more.

Tip: Romelu Lukaku to score at any time @ 6/5 with Coral

Blues can pull away

While Middlesbrough might well come out of the blocks quickly with a boisterous home crowd behind them, Chelsea should have the quality to get what might well be a comfortable win in 90 minutes.

The Blues have leaked goals in the cup this season so Boro will have their chances in the contest, which should make for an intriguing encounter this weekend.

But with their strength in depth and with the attacking players they have at their disposal, Chelsea should be able to fall on the right side of the -1 goal handicap in regular time.

Tip: Chelsea with -1 goal handicap @ 7/5 with Coral

Middlesbrough vs Chelsea odds

Middlesbrough are priced at 11/2 with Chelsea 1/2, whilst the draw is 16/5. 

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.