Burton Albion hope for memorable Carabao Cup win at the expense of Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough and Burton Albion meet in the Carabao Cup quarter final as the only two teams outside the Premier League left in the competition. Whoever progresses from this tie will welcome the two-legged semi-final against one of the elite teams in the country. 

Middlesbrough come into this game on some poor form, having lost to QPR in the Championship last time out. Tony Pulis’ side have failed to win any of their last four league games. 

Burton themselves have just one win in four, that coming against Shrewsbury, Nigel Clough’s side were on the end of a 1-0 defeat to Fleetwood Town at the weekend. 

Both sides have beaten Premier League opposition on their route to this quarter final, Middlesbrough defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 in the last round, after disposing of Preston, Rochdale and Notts County beforehand. Burton knocked out Burnley in the third round, also knocking out out Shrewsbury, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest so far this campaign. 

Middlesbrough look set to call on Martin Braithwaite, the forward missed the game against QPR at the weekend but will hope to have an impact in this competition. 

Burton look set to be without Liam Boyce, Scott Fraser and Ryan Templeton for this tie, the first time The Brewers have progressed this far in the cup. 

These sides last met in the Championship in April, before Burton were condemned to relegation to the third tier. Middlesbrough blushes were saved when Britt Assombalonga scored a last gasp equaliser after Marvin Sordell gave Burton an early lead. 

With form shaky for both sides, neither can come into this game with a whole lot of confidence. Middlesbrough should have the quality and home advantage over the League One side, but Burton will be determined to cause an upset, and create history.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-2 Burton Albion