Chelsea vs Hull: Team News, Lineups, Match Facts, Preview and Prediction

Chelsea gave some of their players a rest in their midweek Champions League clash against Sporting, which they won 3-1, to keep them fit for the Premier League clash, where they need to rebound from last week’s shock and move ahead before they throw away the lead they have forged at the top of the table after 14 matches. Hull will have taken hope from Chelsea’s unimaginative play last weekend and a tight game by Newcastle, which will help them keep Chelsea at bay, if not more. If they keep their composure and defensive shape to frustrate them this weekend.

With critics pointing to a possible fall from grace for Chelsea, and the surge of Manchester City, on the other hand, a mere win will not do for Chelsea. They will have to outclass Hull convincingly. Diego Costa will have to live up to the expectations this weekend, and Eden Hazard will have to get back to speed if Chelsea have any hopes of shutting their critics up. In the absence of Cesc Fabregas, the likes of Oscar and Matic will have to supply crosses and passes to the attackers so that they can beat a good defence consisting of James Chester, Maynor Figueroa and Michael Dawson among others.

On the other hand, Hull will be hoping that Abel Hernandez and Gaston Ramirez play well, especially in light of the disciplinary issues with Hatem Ben Arfa. Hull’s midfield has not been short on power with Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore, but they have lacked an attacking push to pass the ball to Hernandez, which Thomas Ince will be hoping to provide. Beating a consistent defence with the likes of John Terry, Branislov Ivanovic, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta will not be easy, and Hull will struggle.

Chelsea are not likely to be beaten twice in the league in two games, and they are most unlikely to lose at Stamford Bridge. Hull’s task of keeping them at bay will be improbable, but not impossible to achieve, but at least six teams will be hoping that Chelsea can be stopped, if not all the remaining 19 of them.

Chelsea vs. Hull: Team News:

Cesc Fabregas will miss out after having picked up his fifth yellow card in the game against Newcastle, which will give Ramires a chance.

Hatem Ben Arfa is set to go back to Newcastle after getting on the wrong side of Steve Bruce, as he has apparently been frozen out of the team.

Chelsea vs. Hull: Match Facts:

• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 10 encounters with Hull City in all competitions (W8 D2), including all six in the Barclays Premier League (W4 D2 L0).
• Only once have Chelsea had more points after 15 games – 40 in 2005-06.
• Mohamed Diame has scored four goals from just four shots on target in the league this season.
• Allan McGregor, who saved a penalty from Frank Lampard in this fixture last season, has saved all three of the spot-kicks he has faced in the BPL. No goalkeeper has saved four consecutive penalties in the competition.
• This is Hull’s worst start to a campaign, with just 13 points from 15 games, which is worse than the 16 points from 15 games in 2009-10, when they were relegated.

Stats from premierleague.com

Chelsea vs. Hull Possible Lineups:

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois – Branislov Ivanovic, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta – Nemanja Matic, Ramires – Willian, Oscar, Eden Hazard – Diego Costa

Hull (3-5-2): Allan McGregor – Maynor Figueroa, Michael Dawson, James Chester – David Meyler, Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore, Stephen Quinn, Gaston Ramirez – Abel Hernandez, Sone Aluko

Chelsea vs. Hull Prediction:

3-0 to the home team.