Chelsea vs. Middlesbrough: Team News, Preview, Live-Stream, TV Info

After taking six points from potentially tricky fixtures against Southampton and Everton, Chelsea's path to the Premier League title is almost clear.

With a four-point advantage over second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, Antonio Conte's men face two sides in the relegation zone and two mid-table outfits with little to play for in their final four fixtures of the 2016-17 campaign.

The first of those is Monday's clash with Middlesbrough, who are seven points from safety with only three games to play.

Read on for a preview of the fixture, along with the latest team news, scheduling information and viewing details.

Date: Monday, May 8

Time: 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET

TV Info: Sky Sports 1 (UK), NBCSN (U.S.)

Live Stream: Sky Go, NBC Sports Live

Team News

Chelsea centre-back David Luiz limped off as the Blues beat Everton 3-0 last time out. However, the initial reaction from Conte was positive, and he could be available for Monday, per ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery:

Daniel Ayala, Victor Valdes and Grant Leadbitter, meanwhile, all remain doubts for Boro after the trio missed their recent 2-2 draw with Manchester City, per ITV News.

Preview

Middlesbrough have found some form of late as they fight furiously to avoid relegation back to the Championship. 

They claimed a first win of 2017 against Sunderland on April 26 and arguably deserved more from the clash with City, as the Sky Blues were fortunate to be awarded a penalty for their first equaliser, per ESPN's Jonathan Smith:

Alvaro Negredo's performance against City was particularly encouraging, and caretaker Boro manager Steve Agnew will need another strong showing from the Spaniard if they are to take anything from Monday's match.

Negredo, 31, has netted three times in his last six matches and has the ability to trouble Chelsea's defence, especially if Conte is forced to alter his squad because of Luiz's injury.

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

However, after a recent blip when they lost two matches to Manchester United and Crystal Palace in April, Chelsea have returned to form.

Following three straight victories over Spurs, Saints and Everton, they do not look ripe to be upset, especially at Stamford Bridge.

In those three matches, Chelsea have scored 11 times, and although Boro have a relatively solid defence given their position in the table, the chances of the north-east side keeping a clean sheet on Monday are minimal.

#	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
16	Crystal Palace	36	11	5	20	46	61	-15	38
17	Swansea City	36	10	5	21	41	69	-28	35
18	Hull City	36	9	7	20	36	69	-33	34
19	Middlesbrough	35	5	13	17	26	45	-19	28
20	Sunderland	35	6	6	23	28	60	-32	24

Given how Boro have struggled with goalscoring in 2016-17—26 goals in 35 matches is the worst return in the Premier League—it's unlikely they will take anything away from west London.

And it could spell the end of their short time in the Premier League. 

After Hull City lost to already-relegated Sunderland at home on Saturday, Swansea City defeated Everton to move into 17th, meaning Middlesbrough will be relegated if they lose to the Blues.

They could hardly be facing a tougher fixture from which to take points.