Premier League: Chelsea vs Middlesbrough preview

Chelsea have the chance to move seven points clear of Tottenham at the top of the Premier League table if they manage to beat struggling Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening. The Blues won the reverse fixture 1-0 in November thanks to a goal from Diego Costa and they have not lost a match against Middlesbrough since 2006. Chelsea have won the last seven matches against Middlesbrough, who have not scored any goals in those seven games. Tottenham lost 1-0 at West Ham on Friday, which means Chelsea can boost their advantage to seven points with three games left in the season. But Chelsea have already suffered an unexpected setback at home against a relegation candidate when they lost 2-1 at Stamford Bridge against Crystal Palace, so Antonio Conte's men should be careful against a Middlesbrough side that has nothing left to lose. David Luiz and N'Golo Kante are the only injury concerns for the Blues ahead of Monday's match. Middlesbrough have their backs against the wall now, they are seven points away from safety and just three games left to turn things around. If they lose Monday's match they can start thinking about the Championship, while an unlikely victory could significantly boost their survival chances and their confidence as well. However, they have not won an away match in the Premier League since August, when they secured a 2-1 victory at Sunderland. They did hold Manchester City to a 2-2 draw last time out. Probable line-ups: Chelsea: Courtois - Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill - Moses, Fabregas, Kante, Alonso - Pedro, Costa, Hazard Middlesbrough: Guzan - Fabio, Chambers, Gibson, Friend - Roon, Clayton, Forshaw - Downing, Negredo, Ramirez My prediction: Chelsea to win 1-0. Here are the odds for the match at Bet365: Chelsea win - 1.17 Draw - 9.00 Middlesbrough win - 19.00