7M - Match Preview: Hull City vs. Chelsea - Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Liam Rosenior takes his Chelsea side to face Hull City, his former club, in the FA Cup fourth round at the MKM Stadium on Friday. Having departed Hull in May 2024, he aims for a positive outcome on his return, especially after last year's exit at this stage against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Historical Context

Hull City has not secured a win against Chelsea since 1988, suffering 38 years without a positive result. Their last victory was a 3-0 win in the second division, but the subsequent 16 matches have seen the Tigers manage only two draws against the Blues.

Entering this match, Hull is on an eight-match losing streak against Chelsea, including two domestic cup defeats in past years. Although they enjoyed four consecutive victories leading up to the draw, their recent home results—a goalless draw against Watford and a 3-2 loss to Bristol City—have dampened their momentum.

This FA Cup tie marks Hull's first appearance in the fourth round since 2020, and they are eager to reach the fifth round for the first time since 2018.

Chelsea's Form

Rosenior, formerly Hull's manager, nearly led the Tigers to the playoffs in the 2023-24 season. His management career has since flourished, highlighted by a successful tenure at Strasbourg before taking the reins at Chelsea.

Despite a recently disappointing 2-2 draw with Leeds, Chelsea's overall form under Rosenior has been encouraging, with seven wins in their last ten matches. However, they are haunted by previous early exits in the FA Cup, having been knocked out in the third and fourth rounds in recent years.

To avoid another disappointing cup run, Rosenior seeks victory against Hull, and the Chelsea lineup features depth and attacking prowess that could prove challenging for the Championship side.

Potential Lineups

Hull City (Possible Starting XI):
Pandur; McNair, Egan, Hughes; Coyle, Slater, Lundstram, Giles; Gelhardt; Joseph, McBurnie

Chelsea (Possible Starting XI):
Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Badiashile, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Estevao, Garnacho; Delap

Our Prediction: Hull City 1-3 Chelsea

While Hull aims to spring a surprise against their former manager, Chelsea's superior quality and depth are expected to lead them to a comfortable win over the 90 minutes.