Hull vs Chelsea Preview, Team New, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Chelsea take on Hull City at the KC Stadium on Saturday lunchtime looking for a win to move top of the Premier League.

The Blues head into the weekend action sitting third in the table but are just two points off leaders Arsenal so can put the pressure on their rivals by collecting all three points in the lunchtime kick off.

The west Londoners eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win away at Derby County last weekend while they also won away at Southampton 3-0 last time out in the league, so should be full of confidence as they head to East Yorkshire.

However, Jose Mourinho’s side will face a Hull outfit that are impressing back in the top flight since being promoted from the Championship last season.

Steve Bruce has his side well organised, particularly at home, and the Tigers currently sit 10th in the standings after thrashing Fulham 6-0 on New Year’s Day.

Team News

Chelsea have no fresh injury worries to contend with heading into the match. Mourinho is expected to make some changes from the side that started in the Cup last week with Petr Cech returning in goal in place of Mark Schwarzer.

John Terry will also be recalled and could be partnered by Gary Cahill at the back. Branislav Ivanovic is still out with a thigh injury so Cesar Azpilicueta will continue at right-back with Ashley Cole keeping his place on the left.

John Obi Mikel should start alongside Ramires in midfield, although David Luiz could be deployed there after impressing in the holding role against Liverpool over Christmas.

Frank Lampard continues to miss out through injury, and Fernando Torres is likely to start up front ahead of Samuel Eto’o.

Hull have been hit by a sickness bug this week but Steve Bruce is hopeful it has passed in time for the nine affected players to be fit to face the Blues.

Sone Aluko is still missing with an Achilles injury and Robbie Brady has not recovered from a groin problem, and the pair have been joined on the sidelines by defender Paul McShane – who’s been ruled out for four weeks with an ankle injury.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Oscar: The Brazilian has been in excellent form in recent weeks – diving aside – and along with Eden Hazard he will be pulling the string in the Chelsea attack again this weekend. Hull will have to keep him quiet if they want to take anything from the game.

Predicted Score

Hull 0-2 Chelsea: The Tigers have an excellent home record but we can see the Blues having enough attacking threat to ease to the three points.

What team would you like to see start and what’s your predicted score for the  game? Share your views below.