Hull City V Chelsea

Hull City V Chelsea

Saturday, 9^th January – 12:45 GMT (Sky Sports 1)

MATCH POSTPONED – We regrettably have to inform you that the following game has been postponed due to severe weather conditions. Although the pitch has been confirmed as ‘playable’ the surrounding area; roads, pathways, steps etc… have been deemed a hazard and a risk to those fans who will attend the game. 

Hull City

League Position: 19th

Recent Form: LDLLD

If this game was to be decided on form and quality alone then Hull wouldn’t have a chance in hell against the colossal Chelsea, but, however, Hull can hold their heads up high and say that they are one of a select few who have pushed Chelsea hard at Stamford Bridge this season. However, they didn’t fare at all well when the sides clashed at the KC stadium last season, with Chelsea running out deserved 3-0 winners, although that was a night encounter and the last time these two kicked-off at midday was when Hull took an early lead at the Bridge, so perhaps the Tigers aren’t without a glimmer of hope.

A huge performance is required, though, were Hull to even steal a point from Chelsea in this contest. Hull did, however, cause Manchester United a few problems just a few weeks ago, albeit losing 3-1 at the KC, but they did manage to create plenty of chances and could of taken more from that game if their finishing wasn’t do tame. That has been a big problem for Hull of late; scoring. They did manage two in their last outing; a 2-2 draw at Bolton Wanderers, but they had previously managed just one goal in four games before that draw, failing to score at Arsenal & Aston Villa, whilst they were held to a dull 0-0 draw by Blackburn.  

The KC has, however, been the source of some valuable points, the vast majority of them in fact, with all four of Hull’s wins this season coming at home. None of which have actually come against any genuine quality; Bolton (1-0), Wigan (2-1), Stoke (2-1) & Everton (3-2), of which all but Stoke are in the lower half of the table. Their home goals for tally of just 13 is one of the worst in the league but it’s a huge improvement on their dire away form which has seen them score just seven goals but conceded a mammoth 26 goals compared to the 16 conceded at home, which is a still a lot.

It’s hard to see how Hull will close the huge gulf in class between the two as they’ve been a team destined for relegation from Christmas onwards, last Christmas this is. Since the turn of 2009, Hull have struggled for wins, managing just five wins in 38 Premiership games, which is horrendous. They have also struggled to keep up with the stronger teams in games this season, with several top sides dishing out a beating to Hull City; Tottenham winning 5-1 at The KC, Liverpool winning 6-1 at Anfield, Sunderland winning 4-1 at Stadium of Light, there are more… And with this we really can’t see Hull standing much of a chance, although the absence of some of Chelsea’s African contingents may bring about some optimism, at least with the Hull fans, surely not with the smarter punters.

Chelsea

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: DWDDW

Chelsea are only just starting to adjust to life without some of their African starlets but started off in a supreme manner when smashing Championship side, Watford, 5-0 at the weekend in a FA Cup tie. Chelsea’s reward was a relatively easy outing at Preston in the next round so that should be a welcome relief for Carlo Ancelotti as his squad becomes slightly depleted… just ever so slightly!

Chelsea stormed through their FA Cup clash with Watford at the weekend and that win, without their African contingents, will have boosted the morale of the camp after a difficult month of December where performances haven’t been great. That clean sheet against Watford was Chelsea’s first at home since their 4-0 romp of Wolves back in November, so that should lift the spirit of the defenders ahead of what should be another stroll for the blues’.

Chelsea have been typically strong all season, despite some wayward displays of late, and are one of just two teams still unbeaten at home. Away from home, however, Chelsea have been a more vulnerable outfit and haven’t managed a single away win in their last three outings. They were held to low scoring draws at Birmingham (0-0) & West Ham (1-1), both of which Chelsea were fortunate not to have lost, whilst they were beaten early on in December by Man City (2-1). It’s been well over a month since they last enjoyed the taste of an away day success but a trip to the KC provides just about the perfect opportunity to bring about some happy away day memories.

Scoring has been a bit of an issues for the blues’ in recent weeks as they haven’t surpassed the one goal marker in any of their last three away fixtures. With Didier Drogba and Kalour both in Africa, the omen will probably fall onto Daniel Sturridge to chip in with a few goals and carry on the form he shown against Watford where he bagged a brace. Nicolas Anelka could also return, but we are sure Frank Lampard, who scored a sublime goal in this fixture last season, will amply help out with chances.

Head-to-Head:

Hull City W: 0 Chelsea W: 2 Draws: 1

• Hull’s best effort in recent meetings with Chelsea came in the form of a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge last season.

• Chelsea recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory at the KC stadium last season.

• In three meetings, Hull have only managed 1 goal to Chelsea’s five.

• Hull’s only goalscorer against Chelsea is Stephen Hunt, with his goal coming this season at the Bridge.

Match Verdict: Chelsea to WIN – 1.36 PaddyPower

Hull did cause Man Utd a few problems a few weeks back but Chelsea shouldn’t come unstuck against a Hull side which has often provided the big boys with a chance to bolster their goalscoring tally. Against the ‘Big Four’ teams this season, Hull have shipped 14 goals in four games, although Chelsea were the lowest contributor with two. However, the blues’ put five past Watford in their last outing, while Hull shipped 4 at Wigan, so expect Chelsea’s goalscoring fortunes to change for the good on Saturday in what could and should be another Chelsea romp.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 11.00 Coral

Draw – 4.80 Bet365

Chelsea – 1.36 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Chelsea -1 Goal (Handicap) – 2.10 SkyBet