The League Cup represents the easiest chance for clubs to achieve silverware, with lower clubs throwing their hats in the ring; it’s a “get out of jail” card for managers who get lucky.

Chelsea’s indifferent season continued Tuesday night as the Blues crossed to Riverside to entertain Championship side Middlesbrough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup Semifinal, and it was the lower league side who triumphed.

The hosts have had to endure a torrid season with injuries, but coach Michael Carrick sent on eleven boys to fight it out with Premier League heavyweights Chelsea. It was a tale of déjà vu as Boro had to make two changes due to injuries in the first half.

Seven minutes from the end of the first-half whistle, Hayden Hackney tucked home the game’s only goal, and Chelsea’s labor on the night ended in futility. Although the Blues would see the game again and wonder how they didn’t score,.

Cole Palmer played upfront before Armando Broja was introduced, and the former Manchester City man missed tonnes of chances. With Nicolas Jackson away to AFCON, Palmer would deputize upfront alongside Broja, at least until Thomas Nkunku returns from another injury he suffered recently.

Chelsea must be better in the second leg; they must take their chances and bury the Championship side early. Allowing Boro to settle in the second leg could end up frustrating Chelsea; it’s their chance to have some sunshine in a stormy season, and they can’t pass it on.

On Wednesday night, injury-ravaged Liverpool would host Fulham in the second semifinal. The Kops will be the clear favorite on the night, but they must be wary of the threats that could derail them against Marco Silva’s men.

The Lilywhites are having a fairytale season. They have a decent squad, but AFCON has taken Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey. They need to find a solid game plan to accommodate different molds of players to stand in for the Nigerians.

Liverpool’s form is good, and Fulham’s isn’t bad either. The latter goes into this game on the back of a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the league and a 1-0 win over Rotherham in the FA Cup. Marco Silva would hope for more of his recent fortunes.

Liverpool will be without a host of players, with Trent Alexander Arnold set to miss a few games with injury. The England right-back has been their main guy outside Mohammed Salah. How will Liverpool cope without his crosses and long balls?