Chelsea take on Hull City at the KCOM Stadium as they look to get back to winning ways after stuttering in recent weeks. The Blues had notched up three consecutive victories at the beginning of the season but failed to build on those wins and are in a midst of a mini-crisis, especially in defence. They are currently in the 8th place, which is lower than they would ideally want to be in.
Hull City were one of the contenders for the drop even before the season began and although they started off brilliantly, the Tigers have failed to win any of their last 4 and find themselves in the 14th spot.
Although Chelsea will be expected to prevail over Hull, the Tigers will approach the fixture without any fear and will look to exploit the Chelsea backline in order to cause an upset.
TEAM NEWS AND PREDICTED LINE-UPS
HULL CITY (4-1-4-1)
Caretaker manager Mike Phelan will be without the suspended Ahmed Elmohamady for the visit of Chelsea to the KCOM Stadium. Allan McGregor (back), Michael Dawson, Brian Lenihan, Moses Odubajo (all knee), Alex Bruce (Achilles) and Greg Luer (knee) are still out, while Josh Tymon is doubtful.
Marshall; Meyler, Davies, Livermore, Robertson; Clucas; Snodgrass, Huddlestone, Mason, Diomande; Hernandez
CHELSEA (4-1-4-1)
John Terry remains unavailable for the trip to the KCOM Stadium and is joined on the sidelines by John Obi Mikel. Kurt Zouma (knee) remains out despite having made a recent return to training.
Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta; Kante; Oscar, Matic; Hazard, Willian; Costa
KEY MEN
HULL CITY
ROBERT SNODGRASS
Chances will be few and far in between for Hull City and for them to cause discomfort to the Chelsea backline, their chief set-piece specialist has to be on target today. He has shown promise this season and will be their main man in attack against the Blues. He has already scored 3 goals for them and will look to add to his tally.
CHELSEA
DIEGO COSTA
The all-action Spaniard has been irrepressible this season and will again be Chelsea’s torch-bearer in their attacking endeavours. His 5 goals and 1 assist is already the highest in the team and he has shown a marked improvement in his displays from last season. He will surely look to bully the Hull backline and add handsomely to his tally.
LIKELY OUTCOME
Although Hull are playing at home and will be facing a Chelsea team who are suspect defensively at the moment, it is widely expected that given the abundance of quality in their ranks, the Blues will prevail over them quite comfortably.
ODDS
HULL CITY- 13/2
DRAW-7/2
CHELSEA- 1/2
