Hull City will host Chelsea at the MKM Stadium in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday. Hull were eliminated from the third round last season, and the Blues did not fare much better and were eliminated from the next round.
The hosts faced Bristol City in the EFL Championship last week and suffered a 3-2 home loss, ending their unbeaten streak in all competitions after six games. Oliver McBurnie broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, but they conceded twice in the first half and again in the 50th minute. Kieran Dowell reduced their deficit in the 78th minute, but they failed to find the equalizing goal.
The visitors met Leeds United in the Premier League on Tuesday and were held to a 2-2 draw. João Pedro gave them the lead in the 24th minute, and Cole Palmer scored their second goal in the 58th minute. They conceded twice in quick succession later in the second half to give away the lead.
Hull City vs Chelsea Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
The two teams have crossed paths 48 times in all competitions. As expected, the visitors have the lead in the head-to-head record with 34 wins. The Tigers have just four wins, and 10 games have ended in draws.
They last met in the fourth round of the FA Cup in the 2019-20 campaign, and the Blues secured a 2-1 away win.
Hull City have won four of their last six games in all competitions, with three of them coming on their travels.
Chelsea have scored at least three goals in four of their last six games.
The visitors are unbeaten in FA Cup meetings against the Tigers thus far, recording five consecutive wins.
The hosts have failed to score in just one of their last six games, while keeping three clean sheets.
Hull City vs Chelsea Prediction
The Tigers suffered just their second defeat of the year last week and will look to bounce back here. They are winless at home against the visitors in the 21st century, which is cause for concern.
Darko Gyabi is a long-term absentee, while Cody Drameh is also expected to sit this one out. Semi Ajayi and Eliot Matazo are also not expected to start, while Charlie Hughes and Toby Collyer are major doubts.
The Blues have suffered just one defeat in their last eight games in all competitions, while recording six wins. They have scored 14 goals in their last five away games and will look to build on that form.
The match comes too soon for Marc Cucurella, while Reece James will undergo a late fitness test. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Levi Colwill, Dario Luis Essugo, and Romeo Lavia remain sidelined while Filip Jorgensen and Tosin are major doubts.
The visitors are on an eight-game winning streak against the hosts, while keeping six clean sheets, and should be able to secure a comfortable win.
Prediction: Hull City 1-3 Chelsea
Hull City vs Chelsea Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Chelsea to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: Both teams to score - Yes
Tip 4: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes