Chelsea remain in the hunt for the FA Cup as Rafael Benitez looks to win some silverware in his reign at Stamford Bridge, but they have a tricky test in Middlesbrough to negotiate before they can progress to the quarter-finals.
Middlesbrough vs. Chelsea, FA Cup 5th Round, TV Schedule and team news: Blues in the hunt for silverware
Chelsea travel to Middlesbrough as they remain in the hunt for silverware in an otherwise forgettable season.
The winner will face a hard task in taking on Manchester United in the next round, and though Middlesbrough may be a Championship side, they have the players to cause a stuttering Chelsea problems, particularly at their own ground. The Blues have won the competition plenty of times in recent years, and along with the Europa League, it represents the only chance for them to win any trophies this season.
Chelsea will be without defensive duo Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta, so John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic are expected to come into the side. Middlesbrough have a few players out themselves, but will still want to take their eye off the league for what is a huge game for the North-East club.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Oriol Romeu (knee), Cesar Azpilicueta (leg), Gary Cahill (illness).
Middlesbrough injuries and suspensions
Out: Stuart Parnaby (hamstring), Justin Hoyte (hip), Julio Arca (toe), Josh McEachran (ineligible), Sammy Ameobi (cup-tied), Kieron Dyer (cup-tied.) In doubt: Jonathan Woodgate (calf), Lukas Jutkiewicz (ankle).
Rafael Benitez has confirmed that Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill will both miss out with minor injury problems, and will be added to the injury list that includes long-term absentee Oriol Romeu.
Middlesbrough will give late fitness tests to Jonathan Woodgate and Lukas Jutkiewicz. Josh McEachran is on loan from Chelsea, so is not eligible to play, as are fellow loanees Kieron Dyer and Sammy Ameobi, who are cup-tied.
Match Date\Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: The Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, England
TV: FOX Deportes (U.S. Spanish), FOX Soccer Channel (U.S. English)
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