Chelsea Vs Hull City Preview

After showing vulnerability against Newcastle last weekend against Newcastle, Chelsea would try to redeem their image as they welcome Hull City to Stamford Bridge. The midweek European tie against Sporting saw Chelsea not only return to winning ways but also rest a number of key players in regards to the league game. Chelsea would hope there would be no European hangovers as they face the Tigers.

Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois is reported to have suffered a minor muscular injury meaning Petr Cech could be ready to start a second game in a row. Cesc Fabregas is the latest Chelsea player to miss a league game due to suspension as Nemanja Matic returns to the fold.

Hull City’s Nikica Jelavic is available for selection after returning from illness and Uruguayan Gaston Ramirez is back from a three game suspension after his challenge on Tottenham’s Jan Verthogen.

The Tigers have never won at Stamford Bridge and it looks like an unlikely time to have that historic victory. Hull City has just won two league games since their FA Cup semi-final win earlier this year. The latest additions to the pack haven’t made Hull better than last season according to Steve Bruce.

Hull are 18th on the league table while Chelsea are top of the table with a three point lead over Man. City, Hull can hope to spoil the party but in addition get a valuable point from the Bridge while Chelsea would want to return to winning ways and not loose anymore points.

Key Players

Nemanja Matic was a huge miss for Chelsea when they played against Newcastle; the towering Serbian returns to the line-up to prevent causalities as Chelsea are yet to lose a game this season with Matic in the line-up. Top scorer Diego Costa has been on a goal drought for four games and would be looking to put an end to that abnormality.

Hull’s goalkeeper, Allan McGregor would be a very busy man for the Tigers as they face Chelsea, it’s a tough ask but we’ve seen goalkeepers single handily win points for clubs this season. In addition to that there’s also the threat of the pace of Sone Aluko upfront and the talent of Abel Hernandez to deal with.

The Stats

Chelsea has only suffered one defeat since the start of this season, and their first in 18 Premier League games.

Chelsea has won all their League games at Stamford Bridge this season, seven in seven.

The Blues have kept 12 clean sheets in their last 15.

Hull City has won just once in their last 14 league games.

The Tigers have scored just two goals in their seven Premier League games.

Should Allan McGregor save another penalty against Chelsea, it would be the first time a goalkeeper has ever saved four consecutive penalties in the league.