Sky Live: Middlesbrough v Chelsea

Antonio Conte will wait to make a final decision on whether to start Diego Costa in Chelsea’s Nissan Super Sunday clash at Middlesbrough, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

The Spain striker withdrew from international duty with a groin injury and returned to training with Chelsea on Wednesday.

But Conte will take his time before deciding whether to include the in-form striker, who has nine goals in 11 Premier League games, from the start.

The Blues will be full of confidence heading to the Riverside after a run of five straight league wins which has helped them rise to second in the table.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough have just one win from their last nine league matches but draws away at Arsenal and Manchester City and a home victory against Bournemouth have seen Aitor Karanka’s climb up to 15th in the table.

However, they have lost their last six games against Chelsea, failing to score in each match.

Team news

Middlesbrough have a major injury doubt over George Friend with the defender facing a late fitness test after picking up a knee injury in training. He could be replaced by Fabio da Silva at the back, while Daniel Ayala (ankle) is still ruled out.

Gaston Ramirez returns after missing the 1-1 draw at Manchester City due to suspension while the rest of Aitor Karanka’s squad reported back from international duty apparently unscathed.

Chelsea have no injury concerns with midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Kurt Zouma fit again, although the latter will not be rushed back to the first team following his lengthy lay-off with a knee injury.

Opta stats

Chelsea have been beaten just twice in their last 17 Premier League games against Boro, with …

continue reading in source www.skysports.com