Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy both agreed that Chelsea got the perfect draw in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea discovered yesterday that they will face Championship club Middlesbrough in the two-legged semis.
The Blues travel to the Riverside Stadium for the first leg on 9 January. The return tie is 23 January at Stamford Bridge.
Elsewhere, the other Carabao Cup semi-final is a Premier League clash between Fulham and Liverpool.
Draw reaction
TalkSPORT pundits Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy certainly seem to think that Chelsea have the most favourable draw. On paper, you’ve got to agree their route to the final is the best.
O’Hara told talkSPORT (10:30pm, 20 December): “You (Chelsea) are basically in the final. You’ve got Middlesbrough away from home in the first leg, then you’ve got them at home in the second leg. Jammy, so jammy.”
Cundy responded: “In cup competitions sometimes you need the draw to do you a favour. It’s done us a favour… It’s the one you wanted but I’ve seen Chelsea this season. I’m not counting any chickens. I’m not taking anything for granted. We should win. We are still unconvincing.”
Chelsea in the Carabao Cup
Let’s remember that Chelsea have already eliminated AFC Wimbledon, Brighton, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United en route to the semi-finals.
Hopefully, they come through the two-legged tie with Boro and book their spot in the final.
Mauricio Pochettino is yet to win any silverware as a manager in England, but he could have an opportunity during his first season at Stamford Bridge.
With Chelsea’s form in the Premier League this year all over the place, there’s extra significance on the domestic cup competitions.
We now know that the Blues will have to go and win this cup without club captain Reece James. That is because The Daily Mail reports today that James is set to miss between three to four month with his latest hamstring injury.
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