Poch craves final at Wembley to launch a new era

THE Carabao Cup may not have been top priority for Chelsea at the start of the season, but they are 180 minutes away from a shot at a trophy that Mauricio Pochettino hopes could be the catalyst for a new era of success at Stamford Bridge.

- Nizaar Kinsella

A two-legged semi-final against Championship side Middlesbrough represents a huge opportunity for Chelsea to reach Wembley.

With no European football this season, Pochettino (below) has taken the Carabao Cup seriously and is expected to select his strongest team at the Riverside Stadium tonight.

For the Argentine, a final against either Liverpool or Fulham is an opportunity to answer critics who point out he won nothing with Tottenham.

More importantly, it is a chance for Chelsea to change their story under their new owners.

It took Roman Abramovich 18 months to win his first trophy at Chelsea and, after a difficult first season and a half, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital could match that.