Talking Tactics: How Carrick can stun Chelsea and take Boro to Wembley

Days after being narrowly beaten by Aston Villa, Middlesbrough have another chance to spring a cup shock as they take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Mid-table Championship outfit Boro, who are managed by ex-Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, host Mauricio Pochettino's Blues at the Riverside tonight in the first of a two-legged tie with a trip to Wembley at stake.

Ahead of the clash, we look at how Carrick can stun the West Londoners to reach their first major final in 18 years.

Plenty of positives

Despite falling to a late 1-0 defeat courtesy of Matty Cash's strike, Boro took plenty of positives from their spirited display against Villa.

Unai Emery's men are second in the Premier League and have scored the joint-second most goals in the top flight this term.

But they were restricted to few clear-cut opportunities in the North East, prior to their fortunate winner that took a huge deflection on its way past goalkeeper Tom Glover.

Pundit Micah Richards said on the BBC after the game: "I feel a little bit sorry for Middlesbrough. 

"In the end, they just couldn't find the quality in front of goal to finish it before Villa got that goal. You would expect that from Villa. They’re a good side in great form. 

"I think the story is how well they [Middlesbrough] have done."

Blueprint for success

There is reason to suggest a similar approach against a Chelsea side — who have had their fair share of issues against a low block this term — could be effective.

Though Pochettino's team will be heavy favourites and have won three on the bounce, they are not yet in a position where you would comfortably predict them to sweep opponents aside.

Only Liverpool (41) have missed more big chances than the Blues (40), with wasteful finishing recently costing them in a 2-1 defeat at Wolves on Christmas Eve.

If Boro are able to contain their top-flight visitors the same way as they did to Villa on Saturday night, doubt may start to creep in among the youthful West Londoners.

Boro's threats

But Boro must be a threat themselves if they are to have any chance of getting the better of their superior opponents over two legs.

The loss of suspended attacker Morgan Rogers in the first leg is a big blow after scoring in four of Boro's five previous Carabao Cup ties this season.

But Carrick is set to welcome star striker Emmanuel Latte Lath back into his XI. 

The powerful Ivorian is a handful after scoring seven goals this term and will be supported by wide forwards Isaiah Jones and Sam Greenwood, who have 10 between them this term.

Talented midfield academy graduate Hayden Hackney, 21, who has attracted Premier League interest of late, is also set to feature after recent injury issues.

Opportunity knocks

Carrick's men did not face a Premier League side once during their run to the final four, beating Huddersfield, Bolton, Bradford, Exeter and Port Vale.

A Chelsea side — who are taking the cups seriously after a miserable couple of years — is a different test entirely but it no doubt remains a huge opportunity for the hosts.

The aim will be to make it to the second leg at Stamford Bridge next week with the tie still intact.

If they can do that, Carrick will be just one game away from making it a memorable season on Teesside.