MIDDLESBROUGH have enjoyed a superb run in the FA Cup and they will have their sights set on claiming arguably their biggest scalp so far on Saturday night when Chelsea visit the Riverside.
Chris Wilder's side have already gone to Old Trafford and eliminated Manchester United on penalties, but knocking out the European champions would be bigger in a football sense at least.
They followed up their Old Trafford success by bundling Spurs out the competition too in extra time and they will certainly not fear Thomas Tuchel's side.
Both sides were in midweek action – Boro were in Championship duty and won 2-0 at Birmingham City to move up to seventh place
And Chelsea were in France in the Champions League where they produced a fine comeback win to taste success in Lille
It hardly needs said that the Stamford Bridge club are embroiled in an almighty off-field mess which has plunged the very future of the club in doubt.
However, it appears to have had little impact on their performances on the pitch and they have now won five games in a row in all competitions.
How the bookies view it
Chelsea were always going to be solid favourites and they are 4/9 with Unibet to win in 90 minutes. The hosts can be backed at 13/2 with Betfred and the draw is 37/10 with SBK.
The capital club are 1/5 to qualify with bet365 and it's 7/2 for Boro to make it though with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
The clubs haven't been in the same league for five years, but Chelsea have won the last eight meetings between the sides without conceding a single goal!
Here's the last meeting between them in 2017.
Players to watch
Former Rangers flop Matt Crooks has reinvented himself as a goalscoring midfielder for Boro and he's scored nine goals this season, including against Manchester United. He's 13/2 to score anytime with Unibet.
Romelu Lukaku started and scored in the last round against Luton Town where Chelsea received an almighty fright. Despite his problems, he is still clearly a huge danger and is 7/5 to net at the Riverside also with Unibet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Boro have been terrific in the Cup this season, but their exciting run really should come to an end on Saturday night with Chelsea's class proving too much.
The capital side are too short to back, but they could win this to nil at 13/8 with BetVictor, which looks a fair price for a Chelsea side who are usually secure in defence.
Chelsea might have to be patient though – they have failed to be ahead at half time in five of their last six games. Draw half time and a Chelsea win at full time is 7/2 with BetVictor.
This FA Cup match between Middlesbrough and Chelsea will be played on Mar 19, 2022 and kick off at 17:15. Check below for our tipsters best Middlesbrough vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
