An intriguing encounter at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday throws up two teams each coming off the back of disheartening Premier League losses.
Hull City were smashed 5-1 at Liverpool last weekend, whilst Chelsea suffered a 3-0 defeat to local rivals Arsenal.
???? | Mike Phelan has no new injury worries ahead of Saturday’s @PremierLeague game against @ChelseaFC at the KCOM https://t.co/Ya1Yg76TpX pic.twitter.com/0cdeFyVFuF
— Hull City (@HullCity) September 30, 2016
The Tigers have no new injuries to contend with this week, which will be a relief to acting-manager Mike Phelan, who is already working with very limited numbers.
Ahmed El Mohamady is suspended after being sent off at Anfield, meaning David Meyler may deputise at right-back, whilst Michael Dawson should return to training over the forthcoming international break.
Allan McGregor, Moses Odubajo, Greg Luer, Alex Bruce and Brian Lenihan are all longer-term absentees.
Former-Manchester United assistant manager Phelan is still yet to be appointed as permanent boss and admitted in his press conference that a deal is still a way off being reached.
Hull have hit a stumbling block in recent weeks after a good start to the season and will hope that key players such as the in-form Robert Snodgrass can keep the club afloat until reinforcements can be bought in.
Mike Phelan admits he is no closer to being named Hull’s permanent manager https://t.co/visWzJkLII
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) September 30, 2016
As for Chelsea, John Terry will again sit this one out with injury; the skipper’s absence has seen a downturn in form for the Blues and manager Antonio Conte will be desperate to get him fit again during the internationals next week.
John Obi Mikel will also miss the trip to the Tigers, whilst knee injuries continue to sideline Kurt Zouma and Marco van Ginkel.
Chelsea captain John Terry will NOT return for Saturday’s trip to Hull, confirms Antonio Conte
Full story: https://t.co/QNJdYyViYs#CFC pic.twitter.com/719vkmEnEB
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 30, 2016
There is no doubt that Conte has been troubled by his team’s recent performances, but he came out on the defensive in his press conference, stating that he does not expect to turn the club who finished 10th last season into league champions overnight.
Chelsea were all over the place at the back against Arsenal last weekend, so it would not be a surprise to see changes made to the back line – with potential for a switch of formation even.
The error-prone Gary Cahill may be the man who makes way; it was his hesitation on the ball that allowed Alexis Sanchez to open the scoring at the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea’s Antonio Conte says he has no magic wand to solve team’s problems. By @domfifield https://t.co/sPsjERlkI2
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) September 30, 2016
This has turned into a crucial match for the London side as they bid to get their season back on track, while the hosts may just sense an upset in the air.
Possible Hull City starting XI (4-5-1): Marshall; Meyler, Livermore, Davies, Robertson; Huddlestone, Mason, Henriksen, Snodgrass, Diomande; Hernandez
Possible Chelsea starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Luiz, Alonso; Kante, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa
