Rafael Benitez takes the west London side to the Riverside Stadium to
face the Championship outfit with a last - eight clash at Old Trafford
awaiting the victors.
Meanwhile,
Rafa Benitez should continue with Petr Cech in goal ahead of
second-choice keeper Ross Turnbull, despite his tendency to rotate
goalkeepers in the cup.
Ryan Bertrand is likely to replace Ashley
Cole at left-back, though, with John Terry set to partner David Luiz at
centre-back and Branislav Ivanovic to start at right- back after Benitez
ruled out Gary Cahill (virus) and Cesar Azpilicueta (leg). Juan Mata is
likely to be rested for the tie to give Oscar a chance whilst Fernando
Torres should also return to Benitez's team.
This
will be the fourth meeting between Middlesbrough and Chelsea in the FA
Cup. Chelsea have won two (including the 1997 final) and Boro have won
one.
Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in nine of their last 11 matches against middlesbrough in all competitions.
The Blues have only lost one of their last 52 FA Cup games against lower ranked sides;losing 0-1 to Barnsley in March 2008.
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