Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka: “I think Chelsea are definitely one of the favourites for the league, especially as they are not playing Champions League football.

“Chelsea is another tough challenge for us. Antonio Conte is settling in the league very well but we can show once again how we can compete.”

Head to Head

Middlesbrough have lost their last six games in all competitions to Chelsea, failing to score in each match

The Blues have only suffered two defeats in their last 17 Premier League matches against Boro (W12, D3), with both defeats coming in 2006.

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte on Eden Hazard: ‘I’m pleased for Eden because he’s playing fantastic football.

“He’s working very well in the [training] sessions, showing great attitude and commitment.

“He’s a fantastic player, he’s working a lot for the team and it’s fantastic when a player with his talent puts it in for the team.

“He has the potential to do great things in his career.”