Middlesbrough simply must avoid defeat at title-favourites Chelsea this evening to have any chance of escaping relegation.
The Teessiders are currently seven points away from safety with just three games remaining, although their goal-difference is comfortably the best of the bottom four.
Skipper Grant Leadbitter [hamstring] and Adlene Guedioura [groin] are both in contention for the visitors but Gaston Ramirez was expected to miss out with a pelvic injury.
Goalkeeper Victor Valdes [ribs] and defender Daniel Ayala [ankle] were also doubtful.
“Chelsea are a top team, full of top players with a wonderful coach,” head coach Steve Agnew told Boro’s official website. “Offensively they have so many creative options and can play with such speed, but at the other end they are incredibly well-organised.
“It’s a very difficult fixture, but we’ve taken a long look at them and we’ll be ready for the game.”
Leaders Chelsea could be without both David Luiz and N’Golo Kante as they bid to move even closer to the title.
Another victory would set them up to definitely clinch the trophy at West Bromwich Albion later this week.
Share this article
