Djordje Petrovic continues between the posts in Robert Sanchez's absence, but ahead of him Thiago Silva returns to the defence in place of youngster Alfie Gilchrist. That could mean a return to right-back for Malo Gusto, in a back four that also includes Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill.

Conor Gallagher also comes back in as captain, resuming his midfield combination with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, while Noni Madueke returns to the starting line-up.

Madueke will be joined in attack by Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling, with Armando Broja and Mykhailo Mudryk both dropping to the bench.

Academy trio Gilchrist, Dylan Williams and Michael Golding all remain in the squad from the FA Cup win over Preston on Saturday, being named among tonight's substitutes.

Middlesbrough have made four changes to the team which suffered a narrow defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round over the weekend. Dael Fry, Jonny Howson, Matt Crooks and Emmanuel Latte Lath all come in, with Matt Clarke and Josh Coburn dropping to the bench, while Morgan Rogers is suspended and Sam Greenwood cup tied in this competition.

Chelsea: Petrovic, Gusto, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill, Enzo, Caicedo, Gallagher (c), Madueke, Palmer, Sterling

Substitutes: Bergstrom, Bettinelli, Gilchrist, Williams, Golding, Mudryk, Broja, Washington

Middlesbrough: Glover, Van den Berg, Fry, Engel, I. Jones, Howson, Barlaser, Bangura, Crooks, Latte Lath, Hackney

Substitutes: J. Jones, Clarke, Gilbert, Coburn, O’Brien, Kavanagh, McCabe, Bridge, Bilongo