Chelsea
travel to Hull on Super Sunday looking to move a step closer to securing the
Premier League title.
The Blues go into the weekend six points clear of nearest challengers
Manchester City and with a game in hand meaning that with just nine matches
to play, Jose Mourinho’s side are in complete control in the title race.
Home draws with Southampton and Burnley in recent weeks as well as their
Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain show that they are not the
infallible outfit they were early in the season but Chelsea will
nevertheless going to the KC Stadium fully expecting to win.
Entrenched in a relegation battle, Hull are in desperate need of points
having gone three games without a win and failing to get the better of
fellow strugglers Sunderland and Leicester.
Steve Bruce’s team are three points above the drop zone and need to start
picking up points quickly with the daunting prospect of matches against
Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United in the final month of the season.
Team news
Record signing Abel Hernandez is set to return to Hull's starting line-up
after the Tigers lost Nikica Jelavic for at least six weeks.
The Croatian faces an extended spell on the sidelines after knee surgery and
Steve Bruce is also unlikely to be able to welcome back any of his other
long-term injured players.
Mohamed Diame, Liam Rosenior, James Chester and Robbie Brady are all
unlikely to be risked, while Tom Huddlestone is suspended after his
sending-off against Leicester last week.
Only John Obi Mikel (knee) is out for Chelsea, with the midfielder likely to
return to contention following the forthcoming international break.
Blues manager Jose Mourinho says a few undisclosed players have knocks which
should not keep them out of the match at the KC Stadium.
Opta facts
Chelsea have won nine and lost none of the last 11 meetings in all
competitions against Hull City.
Eden Hazard has scored in the last two Premier League meetings with Hull
City.
Chelsea have lost just two of their last 17 Premier League away matches (W11
D4 L2).
Following a run of just one win in 11 Premier League home games (W1 D3 L7),
Hull City have won three and lost just one of the last five at the KC
Stadium.
Cesc Fabregas has scored or assisted 86 goals in the opening half of the
campaign over the last six seasons, but only 33 from New Year’s Day to the
end of the season over the same period.
Merson's prediction
I would be shocked if Chelsea threw the title away from here, there is no
question that it is Chelsea’s to lose now and they will be keen to put the
championship to bed as soon as possible, then let the others fight it out
for the remaining three Champions League spots.
And I think they will win this game as they are a cut above Hull, who will
be out of their depth here despite their recent upturn in form, so I am
going for an easy 2-0 win to Chelsea.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0
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