Premier League high-flyers Chelsea will be looking to secure progress into the fifth round of the FA Cup when they travel to the KC Stadium to take on Hull City. The Blues are coming into this fixture on the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw against Arsenal where they had the lead on two separate occasions against the ten men. Despite this, they were unable to hold onto the points at Stamford Bridge on the night.
Frank Lampard is preparing for what could be an excruciating month of footballing action for Chelsea, and he’s expected to rest some of the names who’ve been playing every game. Historically, the Blues have a stellar head to head record against the Tigers, and the team will be confident of getting the job done without having to play out the possible replay at Stamford Bridge.
Team News
Christian Pulisic’s adductor injury is set to keep him out of action until midway through February. English striker Tammy Abraham, who picked up a costly knock against Arsenal in midweek, is also unlikely to start the tie. Elsewhere, Marco Van Ginkel and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are both on the road to recovery, but not ready yet to feature for the first-team. Reece James is another one of Frank Lampard’s biggest misses for this fixture.
4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Hull City
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Argentine veteran Willy Caballero could be given a rare start for this fixture after he made his last appearance in a Chelsea shirt in the Blues’ third-round match at home to Nottingham Forest. Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori could both come into the side for this tie, with Antonio Rudiger and Andrea Christensen expected to be given a much-needed rest. Cesar Azpilicueta should continue down the right flank, while Marcos Alonso might take up the left-sided role.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante made a rare and uncharacteristic mistake against Arsenal last time out and is likely to be given a rest. Ross Barkley was only used as a second-half substitute in midweek, and hence should be chosen to start in the middle of the park. Former Real Madrid man Mateo Kovacic could be the player chosen to partner the Englishman at the core of the Chelsea team.
Attack
Willian is one of many Chelsea players who’ve had to play a lot of first-team football this season, and the Brazilian could be in line for a deserved rest against Hull City. Lampard could instead opt to bring Spanish veteran Pedro back into the side, with young Callum Hudson-Odoi continuing on the right side. Mason Mount may also return for this fixture, having only come off the bench against the Gunners. With Abraham injured, it’s likely that Michy Batshuayi will be given a rare chance to impress from the off as well.
