The predicted Chelsea line-up for this evening's FA Cup fourth round tie away at Hull City with Liam Rosenior set to make numerous changes to his team
07:00, 13 Feb 2026
Alejandro Garnacho
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Alejandro Garnacho could start for Chelsea at Hull City(Image: Franco Romano/NurPhoto)
It is set to be an emotional return to Hull City for Liam Rosenior this evening with the Chelsea head coach back at the MKM Stadium for an FA Cup fourth round tie.
Rosenior spent five years with the Tigers during his playing career and returned to Yorkshire in late-2022 as manager. The now Chelsea head coach was first-team boss at Hull for 18 months before being dismissed from his role in the May 2024.
He admitted during Wednesday afternoon's pre-match press conference that it is set to be an emotional reunion for him and his family, though his sole focus is on Chelsea progressing into the fifth round of the competition. Rosenior is expected to name a strong line-up for tonight's game - and, with that said, Bobby Vincent tries to predict the XI we will see in Hull:
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Robert Sanchez
Usually you would expect Filip Jorgensen to come into the side for a cup game but the Danish goalkeeper remains unavailable due to an injury. Sanchez could start in goal for this one, though Teddy Sharman-Lowe is also an option.
Malo Gusto
Gusto seems to be an ever-present figure in Rosenior's defence. The Frenchman could start again in Hull even if Reece James is passed fit. Given the fact Chelsea don't have a game for another week after the match in Yorkshire, Rosenior might be more tempted to use Gusto from the start again.
Mamadou Sarr
After returning to the club following his loan spell at Strasbourg, Sarr could be handed his first appearance. Rosenior said on Wednesday that the Senegal international would get some form of minutes and it could be from the start with Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana potentially being handed a rest.
Benoit Badiashile
If Chalobah and Fofana are rested, then Badiashile could return to the back four. The Frenchman has not been particularly impressive in recent appearances and needs to improve - if he is called upon - to convince Rosenior of his qualities.
Jorrel Hato
Marc Cucurella has been ruled out after being taken off at half-time in the draw with Leeds United due to a hamstring problem. We do not yet know the severity of the Spain international's injury but either way, he will not play in Hull. Hato has been impressive thus far under Rosenior and the Dutchman will be determined to continue such form this evening.
Andrey Santos
Santos has become much more of a significant figure since Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca last month. The Brazil international was so impressive during Chelsea's draw with Leeds and could be asked to go again given the lack of options in the centre of midfield.
Moises Caicedo
In an ideal world, Rosenior would want to rest Caicedo for the trip to the MKM Stadium. However, with Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo still unavailable due to injury, he might have to call upon the Ecuador international again.
Pedro Neto
Neto was used from the bench against Leeds so he may well return to the side against Hull. The Portuguese winger has been the recipient of plenty of online abuse in recent weeks, so will be eager to prove a point in Yorkshire.
Estevao Willian
It's not something we've seen too much of during his time at Stamford Bridge, but there may be a temptation to use Estevao in the No.10 role. Enzo Fernandez has played so much football this season and deserves a rest. Cole Palmer will surely not be risked.
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho was an unused substitute in the draw with Leeds so will surely start this one. Jamie Gittens remains out with a hamstring problem.
Liam Delap
Joao Pedro could be rested for the trip to Hull. Delap will be keen to make an impression against his former club. Marc Guiu is an option from the bench.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Sarr, Badiashile, Hato; Santos, Caicedo; Neto, Estevao, Garnacho; Delap
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