The EFL Cup semifinals include a eye-catching clash between Middlesbrough and Chelsea on January 9 before Liverpool host Fulham the following day.
However, a trip to the Riverside Stadium will be a test for Pochettino's top-flight side, with 'Boro pushing for another EFL Championship promotion playoff spot, under former Manchester United star Michael Carrick.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it across the world, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
What time does Middlesbrough vs Chelsea kick off?
This EFL Cup semifinal clash takes place at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, UK and kicks off on Tuesday, January 9 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:
Date Kickoff time
USA Tue, Jan. 9 3:00 p.m. ET
Canada Tue, Jan. 9 3:00 p.m. ET
UK Tue, Jan. 9 8:00 p.m. GMT
Australia Wed, Jan. 10 7:00 a.m. AEDT
India Wed, Jan. 10 1:30 a.m. IST
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this EFL Cup match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
Region TV Streaming
USA — ESPN+
Canada —
UK Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football Sky GO, Now TV
Australia beIN Sports 3 beIN Sports Connect
India — FanCode
USA: This game is available on ESPN+.
Canada: This game is live streaming exclusively on DAZN.
Australia: Fans in Australia can stream EFL Cup matches live and on demand on beIN Sports.
UK: This match is available for live broadcast in the UK via Sky Sports services with streaming available on Sky GO and Now TV.
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea lineups, team news
Middlesbrough were left frustrated in their FA Cup clash against Villa as Matty Cash's deflected goal dumped them out at the Third Round stage. However, the prospect of a trip to a Wembley final, if they can get past Chelsea, will force Carrick to name a strong team in this first-leg clash.
Middlesbrough (4-2-3-1, right to left): Glover (GK) — van den Berg, Clarke, Engel, Bangura — Barlaser, Howson — Jones, Rogers, Greenwood — Coburn.
Middlesbrough subs (9): TBC
Pochettino is still dealing with a lengthy injury list at Chelsea with at least 10 players ruled out through injury for the visitors. Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher could rotate back into the team with Alfie Gilchrist starting at full-back.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1 right to left): Petrovic (GK) — Gilchrist, Colwill, Disasi, Gusto — Caicedo, Gallagher — Sterling, Palmer, Madueke — Broja.
Chelsea subs (9): TBC
Middlesbrough vs Chelsea prediction
Middlesbrough have the chance to reach a rare cup final ahead of this two-legged tie as Chelsea look to remain on course for a potential morale boosting trophy.
However, their home form has dipped in recent weeks, with just one win in five games at the Riverside across all competitions, and Chelsea have won three in a row.
It will be a test of the consistency of Pochettino's players but they will be confident of having something to take back to London for the second leg.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-3 Chelsea