Chelsea have been like a juggernaut in recent weeks in the Premier League. The Blues head to Middlesbrough on Sunday looking to record their sixth consecutive top-flight wins and clean sheets.
Antonio Conte’s side have improved immensely since switching to a 3-4-3 formation last month. Prior to the international break, the Blues produced a fantastic performance to hammer seventh-place Everton 5-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa look to be back to their top form this season. Both players suffered slight knocks on international duty but have been declared fit for this clash. The Blues recent good run of form means they are now genuine title contenders this season.
Middlesbrough are currently on an unbeaten run of three games in the Premier League. Aitor Karanka’s team have picked up highly creditable draws at both Arsenal and Manchester City, while also beating Bournemouth 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro will be full of confidence heading into this game, but that unbeaten run will be tested by one of the English top-flight’s most in-form teams in Chelsea.
Recent history suggests that a Boro win is unlikely, as Chelsea have won the last six meetings between these two teams in all competitions, while also keeping clean sheets in all of the six victories.
Despite Chelsea’s recent form a trip to the Riverside Stadium may not be an easy one. Boro have started showing some of the defensive resilience that gave them the best defence in the Championship last season.
Aitor Karanka’s side have conceded just one goal in their last three top-flight outings, which is impressive considering they have played both Arsenal and City away from home. That defensive improvement will be tested to the limit in this clash, though.
The statistics and Forebet point to a Chelsea victory in this one. However, it is unlikely to be a comfortable game for Conte’s side.