🏏 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:00 BST
Chelsea
vs
Hull City
4-2-3-1 vs 5-4-1
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- The table has a twist: Hull City arrive third on seven points, unbeaten with two wins and a draw, while Chelsea are fourth on six from two wins and a defeat. Leaders Manchester City are on nine, so both of these sides are still within touching distance of the top after three rounds.
- The profiles could hardly be more different. Chelsea have scored eight and conceded seven, winning 3-2 away at Fulham and 4-3 at home against Brighton before losing 2-1 at Arsenal. The attack is clearly firing, but they have shipped goals in every match so far.
- Hull have scored three times and conceded none. They beat Manchester United 2-0 at home on the opening weekend, won 1-0 away at Coventry, and held Aston Villa to a goalless draw. Three clean sheets in three games is the foundation of their start.
- The shapes tell the story: Chelsea's 4-2-3-1 against a Hull side lining up 5-4-1 with a deep, compact block. Cole Palmer, the left-footed number ten who scored 22 Premier League goals in his first season after leaving Manchester City, is the man tasked with unlocking it, whether through slide-rule passes or shots from the edge of the area.
- Hull's back five is built on experience and height. John Egan, 33, has spent years anchoring Ireland's defence; Semi Ajayi, a 193cm Nigeria international who came through Arsenal's academy and became a Championship regular at West Brom, provides aerial presence; and 22-year-old Frenchman Nacim Mendy, with Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano on his CV, completes the trio. Ryan Giles, whose left-footed crossing volume is among the best in the EFL, takes the left wing-back berth.
- Chelsea's forward line offers plenty of variety. Joao Pedro, the 24-year-old Brazilian who arrived for £60m after proving himself at Brighton, leads the line with soft touches and clever movement. Pedro Neto, the Portugal winger who came through Braga and starred at Wolves, works the left, while 187cm Morgan Rogers brings a blend of pace and physicality. Stretching a five-man defence will be the priority.
- The goalkeeping matchup is compelling. Chelsea have 34-year-old Emiliano Martinez, a 2022 World Cup winner renowned for his presence in shootouts. Hull counter with 23-year-old Konstantinos Tzolakis, a club-record signing at around £20m from Olympiacos, where he made 131 appearances and helped win the 2024 UEFA Conference League. He has yet to concede this season.
- Hull's attacking threat runs through lone striker Oli McBurnie. The 188cm, 30-year-old Scotland international made his name at Swansea and was central to Sheffield United's promotion to the Premier League. Around him are 32-year-old Matt Crooks, a 191cm midfielder with Rotherham, Middlesbrough and Real Salt Lake in his past, and 24-year-old Mohamed Belloumi, son of the Algerian great Lakhdar Belloumi. Set pieces and counters will be their route to goal.
- Chelsea's selection has a curious wrinkle. Malo Gusto, the Lyon-schooled France right-back, and club captain Reece James both start, with James used in a midfield role. Alongside him is 22-year-old Belgium holder Romeo Lavia, an Anderlecht product who passed through Manchester City and Southampton, while 20-year-old Jorrel Hato, who captained Ajax at 17, takes the left of the defence.
- The benches are stocked with talent too. Chelsea can introduce 19-year-old Estevao, the Palmeiras product nicknamed 'Messinho', 22-year-old Jamie Gittens, a Champions League finalist with Borussia Dortmund, and 200cm Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, 21. Hull's options include Lucas Gourna-Douath, the 23-year-old France U21 holder who won the Austrian title with Red Bull Salzburg and spent time on loan at Roma, and Aston Villa academy graduate Tim Iroegbunam.