Mauricio Pochettino: Carabao Cup semi-final Chelsea's 'game of the season'

The Blues flattered to deceive in their first-leg clash at Riverside Stadium as they lost 1-0 to Boro, with Hayden Hackney scoring the winner.

On Tuesday night the two sides will meet again, this time at Stamford Bridge, and battle it out for a spot in the Carabao Cup final.

Should Pochettino's charges progress to the final, they will meet either Liverpool or Fulham. The Reds take a 2-1 lead into their second-leg encounter.

"Tomorrow is the biggest game of the season because it's our access to the final. We need to be convincing to be able to win," Pochettino told the media on Monday.

"It's the possibility to play in and win a final. It's a good pressure. I like this type of challenge. We want to be in that situation and play in semi-finals.

"I think the game is really important because it's the possibility to win a trophy. In a personal way, I'm so excited for the game. 

"It's a way to play at Wembley, a final, and to have the possibility to win a title. I'm so motivated and I try to translate to the players how good it is to play a final and to play in Wembley."

READ MORE: James Milner enjoying his football as he closes in on Premier League record