Venue: Saturday, October 18th 2008 Kick-Off:12:45 Subscribe to Sky Now

Middlesbrough welcome premiership leaders Chelsea to the Riverside today in this early afternoon kick off, which can be viewed Live on Sky Sports.

Chelsea top the Premiership League Table on goal difference and currently remain unbeaten so far this Season.

Middlesbrough have a decent record against the big four teams at home and have beaten Chelsea five times in front of their home fans over the years. Victory against Wigan last time out saw them break a dissapointing run of form which saw them lose their previous four games and they will no doubt be confident of taking something from this fixture.

Chelsea have also won five times at the Riverside and are strong favourites with the bookmakers to achieve victory number six, however Chelsea Manager Phil Scolari will have to deal with some injury problems coming into this match and Drogba is certain to miss out.

There are also doubts over John Terry who has missed Englands last two World Cup qualifiers but he is expected to travel with the Chelsea team up north. Ashley Cole isn't likely to make the trip so Wayne Bridge looks certain to start in the Left Back position.

Peter Czech has picked up a thigh strain in his International duties over the past week and is also another doubt to make the starting lineup, Carlo Cudicini and Hilario are both fit and ready to replace the Czech star should he not make it.

The midfield is also a sparse looking affair for Scolari with Michael Essien and Joe Cole already sidelined.

Despite being an injury doubt, Michael Ballack played for Germany against Wales - but that has now back-fire and he is out for three weeks. Deco is slowly closing on in his race to be fully fit and could feature alongside Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel. Nicolas Anelka looks certain to start, as should Florent Malouda, while Argentine youngster Franco Di Santo could make his first league start for the club.

Summary

A lot of big names missing for the League leaders, but with a bench full of experienced and talented players Chelsea should have enough to keep their unbeaten run going at the Riverside.

Freebetinfo Prediction

Chelsea to Win @ 1.70 Betfair

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