Antonio Conte’s sensational start to life at Chelsea was short-lived as the Blues are in a difficult position right now after two back to back Premier League losses against Liverpool and Arsenal. Hull City do not look like a contest on paper for the Blues but that’s the beauty of the Premier League.
Hull started their Premier League comeback season on a good note but lost their form lately and are on the back of two back to back defeats against Arsenal and Liverpool. Chelsea will be looking to use this game as one to bounce back to winning ways but it won’t be a cakewalk for them.
Here are three key battles those could potentially decide the game.
Tom Huddlestone Vs N’Golo Kanté
Kanté was a key player for Leicester City last season in their amazing Premier League triumph and carried that sensational form to Chelsea but looked quite poor in the last two games, especially against Arsenal. While Leicester City’s back four have been consistently exposed this season due to the absence of the Frenchman, Kanté is struggling to make a significant impact at Chelsea and will be looking to come back to his usual best against Hull City.
Hull’s midfield enforcer Tom Huddlestone has been shockingly poor this season. He failed to protect the back four in the last two games as Hull conceded a total of nine goals in two games against Arsenal and Liverpool. The former Spurs man must improve against Chelsea.
John Terry Vs Abel Hernandez
David Luiz hasn’t had the worst of introductions after rejoining the Blues, but you can’t help but think that he is playing a part in the Blues’ miserably defensive record thus far. Luiz will once again be under pressure as Hull have an able striker in Hernandez.
The South American battle will be intriguing as Hernandez is a tireless worker and considering Luiz’s lack of positional discipline, the Uruguayan will fancy his chances. He has scored just once this season but his pace can cause problems.
Diego Costa Vs Curtis Davies
Diego Costa looks like a completely transformed striker under Antonio Conte and has already scored five Premier League goals this season. The Spanish international will be keen to get on the scoresheet against Hull City but will have a tough time against Curtis Davies who has statistically been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season.
The Englishman has had as many as 1.3 tackles, 6.2 interceptions, 8.3 clearance and 2.7 blocks every game this season. It’s a shame that Hull City still conceded so many goals despite their key defender performing out of his skin.
