Having won two of their four against Chelsea I suppose Boro can't be totally written off here but it's difficult to make a genuine case for them at Stamford Bridge, even at odds as tempting as 11/1. The Blues have emerged as Manchester United's main title rivals in recent weeks and defeat for them here is inconceivable. At 1/3 Fat Frank and the boys do look mortgage material but I much prefer the 11/10 doing the rounds on Didier Drogba scoring in the match. The Ivorian is badly in need of a haircut but that's the only thing shabby about him right now. His recent record against the Teessiders is second to none and at odds-against he has to be worth a play to get among the goals.

if boro can come away with a draw id be pretty happy lol if we win il be happier if we lose and we played nice football i wont be so angrybut wel soon see

MATCH PACK: Chelsea

Chelsea v Middlesbrough
Kick-off 1.30pm

THIS is the 102nd league meeting between these two. Boro have won 28 to Chelsea's 44, with 29 games drawn.

John Craggs and Alan Willey were the scorers the last time Boro won at Stamford Bridge. A 2-1 win in March 1975 put the side third in the old first division.
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Throughout the 33 years since, Boro have done well to score let alone win, failing in 14 of their last 19 visits to find the back of the net. The Blues have won 10 and drawn four of their last 14 games this season and have lost just one in 24.

Injuries and suspensions

Robert Huth looks certain to miss out on a return to his former club with a foot problem.

Chelsea have concerns over John Terry, who damaged a hamstring during England's defeat by France in Paris on Wednesday, Frank Lampard, who missed that game through illness, and Petr Cech, who is recovering from a sprained ankle.

Frank Lampard, left, and John Terry

Boro have two players suspended, Mido, with the second of three games, and Fabio Rochemback, who completes a two-game ban. Chelsea have no suspensions.

Point of note

Chelsea have not lost at home in the league for 79 games spread over four years. If domestic cup games are included, that record stretches to a hugely impressive 98.

They're currently unbeaten in 14 home games this season and haven't even dropped a point against Boro, Newcastle or Sunderland at Stamford Bridge for four years.

No team have had more players sent-off this season than Chelsea's six, but not many can get anywhere near their record of conceding just one goal every two hours.

While no club have received more cards than Boro's 76 (74 yellow and two red), the club have lost just two of their last 10 away from home.

If selected

Ricardo Carvalho, pictured, would be making his 150th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

Ricardo Carvalho - Photo-PA Photos

Last time we met

October 20 2007

Middlesbrough 0 Chelsea 2 (Drogba 7, Alex 67)

Boro: Schwarzer; Young, Woodgate, Riggott, Taylor, Tuncay (Craddock 83), Boateng (Capt) (Cattermole 67), O'Neil, Downing, Rochemback, Mido. Unused subs: Turnbull (gk); Wheater, Lee.

Chelsea: Cech; Belletti, Alex, Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Essien (Sidwell 81), Mikel, Lampard (Capt), J Cole, Malouda (Wright-Phillips 75), Drogba (Shevchenko 85). Unused subs: Cudicini (gk); Ben-Haim.

Referee Mark Halsey, Welwyn Garden City.

Bookings

Boro: Boateng, 47, foul.

Chelsea: Malouda, 71, foul.

Attendance: 27,699

Conditions: Cold and sunny

Website Boro Man of the Match: Another fine performance from Gary O'Neil, but Stewart Downing gets the vote.

Referee

Phil Dowd - Photo-PA Photos

Phil Dowd, Stoke-on-Trent.

This is just the second Boro game of the season for Mr Dowd, his only other appearance in the middle coming in the 1-0 win over Fulham at the Riverside in February.

Mr Dowd has been involved in some high scoring games this season, such as the 4-4 draw between Chelsea and Villa, the 4-3 Carling Cup for Chelsea over Leicester at Stamford Bridge, the 4-0 win for Villa at Blackburn, a 4-0 win for West Brom at Coventry, a 3-2 win for Birmingham at Tottenham and Everton's 7-1 defeat of Sunderland.

He was also in the middle for the never to be forgotten FA Cup tie between Liverpool and Havant and Waterlooville, which ended 5-2 in favour of the Premier League giants after they were twice behind.

In 37 games this season, Mr Dowd has shown 102 yellow and nine red cards.