Paul Merson makes major Mauricio Pochettino sack prediction ahead of Chelsea vs Middlesbrough

Former Premier League star Paul Merson has claimed that Mauricio Pochettino could be in trouble if Chelsea fail to beat Middlesbrough in Tuesday evening's Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg.

The Blues are 1-0 down after losing the first-leg at the Riverside Stadium after Hayden Hackney's first-half goal gave the Championship side a slim advantage. Should Chelsea fail to win in west London, they face missing out on the chance of winning their first piece of silverware under Pochettino.

Currently ninth in the Premier League table, Chelsea's hopes of qualifying for European football next season rests heavily on their domestic cup performance. They face Aston Villa in the FA Cup at the weekend and Merson has warned the Argentine could be in trouble if they fall short in both competitions.

Writing in hisSky Sports column, he said: «This is a massive week in Chelsea's season, which could fall apart in four days. If they win their Carabao Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough then beat Aston Villa, they're knocking out a big team from the FA Cup as well. Then when you're a few points off sixth place, all of a sudden it doesn't look so bad.

»But losing to Middlesbrough would be a major blow. Not going through over two legs against a Championship team? In one-off games you never know, you can lose one-off games. But over two games…

«Chelsea might still squeeze in the top six, you never know. But what an opportunity to get to the Carabao Cup final playing against a Championship team in the semi-final. It's the first trophy to be won, a lot of teams would love to be there and are wishing they were there.

Chelsea will be without 11 players for Carabao Cup semi-final vs Middlesbrough

Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Middlesbrough as Ben Chilwell