MICHAEL Carrick is relishing the challenge facing Middlesbrough in the coming days and while he accepts his side will be underdogs against both Aston Villa today and Chelsea on Tuesday, he says: "Football is funny at times, it throws up results that maybe shouldn't happen".

For Carrick, who won the competition as a player back in 2015/16, the FA Cup is "unique and magic" and he'd love to stun Premier League Villa today and progress to the fourth round.

But he accepts he'll have to find the right blend in his team selection with Tuesday's game in mind, especially with his squad depleted by injuries and absentees.

"Listen, we want to try and win this game," said Boro's head coach ahead of tonight's 5.30pm kick-off.

"Tuesday is not the only game. We have to get the balance right. Some boys can’t play on Tuesday because of being cup-tied or suspended. There are others who might need a rest.

"That’s the nature of it. But it doesn’t mean we’re taking this one lightly. We’re not, we’re looking forward to it."

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Villa head for the Riverside in the middle of their best season in recent years, with Unai Emery's side second in the Premier League and into the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League.

With those competitions likely to take priority, Emery will almost certainly make changes to his side today, but regardless of who starts for the visitors, Carrick knows his side will be coming up against quality operators. He is, however, in "no doubt" that Boro can pull off a shock.

Boro's run to the last four of the Carabao Cup has seen them dispose of Huddersfield Town and several lower league teams. Now, for the first time in a domestic cup competition this season, they'll be the underdogs rather than the favourites.

Carrick said: “It’s a big challenge for us but that great, you’ve got to enjoy that.

"You want to play against the best teams and the best players individually. Aston Villa are having an unbelievable season so far and are obviously very well-coached.

"It’s a big challenge, but it’s a one-off game. We can give it our best and football is funny at times, it throws up results that maybe shouldn’t happen. We know, on paper, this is one that shouldn’t go our way. But we’ll do our best to try and flip that.

“I think first and foremost, because it’s a one-off game against a team like Aston Villa, it’s one of those where we can just go in looking to give our best and enjoy it. For the players to test themselves against players right at the top of their game and doing very well right now can only be a good thing.

"You’ve got to believe that you’re capable of winning the game if you perform well. If you don’t, you haven’t got a chance. But we’re realistic as well. I’ve no doubt we can win.

"We know it will be tough, but of course we can win if we play well enough.  It’s a different mental test being the favourite or being the underdog. For us, it’s a great opportunity. Hopefully they’ll thrive and use the experience to become better players and a better team."

Every year at this stage there are debates about the prestige and importance of the FA Cup. Carrick's verdict is crystal clear.

He said: “The cup is magic. It’s been great to me at certain times and given me some great memories and moments in my career.

"I hope others still see it that way. I do personally.

"I think it’s such a unique competition that has a certain magic about it. Big wins, big occasions, it’s priceless. Certainly at this club, we all take it seriously. Everyone in this draw right now is looking for a run and creating those special memories. We’re realistic and we know what we’re up against, but it doesn’t stop us trying to achieve."