English giant Chelsea would be looking to secure a place in the FA Cup when they travel to KC Stadium to take on Hull City.
The Blues are coming into this fixture after a 2-2 draw against London rivals Arsenal where they lead on two occasions against the 10 men.
Despite the numerical advantage, they were unable to hold onto the points at Stamford Bridge on the night.
The Blues boss Frank Lampard is getting ready for what could be an uneasy month of football actions for Chelsea, and he’s expected to make changes to his team to allow the regular guns take a rest.
On paper, the Blues have a decent head to head records against Hull City and Chelsea should be confidence of a victory without having to play a replay at Stamford Bridge.
Team News
England forward Tammy Abraham, who picked up a costly knock against Mikel Arteta’s side in the 2-2 draw at the Bridge in midweek is unlikely to feature.
Christian Pulisic injury (adductor) is set to keep him out of action up until midway into February.
Midfielders Marko Van Ginkel and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are both on the road to recovery, but not fully prepared for first team matches.
Reece James would be missed as well, as the young lad depicted impressive performance at the right back position.
4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Line Up vs. Hull City Formation; 4-2-3-1
Defense
Argentine veteran goalkeeper – Willy Caballero could be given a rare start for this fixture after he made his last appearance for Chelsea at home to Nottingham Forest.
Defensive pair Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori both could come into the side – for this FA Cup match, while Danish center back Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are so to be at rest ahead of this game.
Marcus Alonso may take up the left back role while Chelsea Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to continue on the right back position for the Blues.
Midfield
Ross Barkley was only used as a substitute against Arsenal in midweek and he should be much fresh and match fit to start against Hull City.
N’golo Kante who made a costly mistake in midfield against the Gunners may be rested.
Croatia’s Mateo Kovacic could be the player chosen by Frank Lampard to partner returning Ross Barkley in midfield.
Attack
Lampard should bring Spanish Veteran forward Pedro Rodriguez back into the side while Willian who is one of the Chelsea players that has featured in a lot of matches this season as he needs a rest against the Hull City side.
Young gun Callum Hudson-Odoi should continue on the right side of the attack for Chelsea alongside Pedro.
Mason Mount may also be picked for this fixture after playing a substitute role in the match against Arsenal.
Michy Batshuayi should be given a rare start in this game to make his mark following injury picked up by first choice striker for Chelsea in Tammy Abraham.
Chelsea 4-2-3-1 – predicated line-up vs. Hull City
Willy Caballeros Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori, Marcus Alonso; Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley; Pedro Rodriguez, Michy Batshuayi, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
