CUPS BACK IN FAVOUR AS POCH BIDS TO GIVE CAMPAIGN A SILVER LINING

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has rarely tried to conceal his misgivings about England's domestic cup competitions, but Chelsea's season now depends on both.

- Dan Kilpatrick

Tonight, the Blues face Middlesbrough in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, before Friday's meeting with Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Chelsea have home advantage in both ties, but Championship side Boro come to Stamford Bridge with a 1-0 lead from the first leg, while Villa are already out of sight in the League, so Pochettino's side can hardly count on safe passage in either game.

Lose both and Chelsea's season would be as good as over by the halfway point for a second year running, leaving Pochettino's stuttering project on the brink. But continue their recent uptick-wins over Fulham, Luton and Crystal Palace in the League - with two more, and Chelsea will be able to look ahead with renewed optimism: a day out a Wembley against Fulham or Liverpool, an FA Cup run and, perhaps, a push for Europe.