Chelsea resume Premier League duties away at Hull City this weekend, Chelsea coming off the back of a 5-0 win over Watford in the FA Cup, and Hull City a 4-1 thrashing away at Wigan Athletic. Incidentally, on loan Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair scored the final goal for Wigan.
Chelsea have Drogba, Essien, Mikel and Kalou away at the African Cup of Nations. Nicolas Anelka may well be fit, however Daniel Sturridge will be looking to impress again having scored twice against Watford last weekend. Regulars including Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Ballack should also return.
Hull City are missing Seyi Olofinjana and Daniel Cousin thanks to the ACN and are attempting to bolster their squad in the transfer window this month, starting with Manchester City’s Felipe Caiceido, whom Hull wish to take on loan. Chelsea have been linked with Italian forward Vicenzo Iaquinta, though no move has been made.
Hull City are winless in their last seven matches in all competitions, their last victory coming on November 25, which was a 3-2 to win at home to Everton. On the flipside, Chelsea are undefeated in their last seven matches, their last defeat coming on December 5 away at Manchester City.
Our last meeting at the KC Stadium was in October 2008, where Chelsea won 3-0 couresty of goals from Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda. In the opening match of this season, Chelsea played Hull at Stamford Bridge, Didier Droba’s sublime chip from the byline giving Chelsea victory.
Ladbrokes odds of 8/1 for a Hull victory seem generous after all that, whilst the draw is paying 7/2. A Chelsea win is the most likely result, reflected in the 4/11 on offer.
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