Liam Rosenior returns to the club where he will have fond memories of both as a player and a coach as Chelsea face Hull City in the FA Cup
Liam Rosenior
Chelsea let a 2-0 lead slip against Leeds on Tuesday evening(Image: Getty Images)
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After the disappointment against Leeds United, Liam Rosenior quickly turns his attention to a return to familiar territory as his Chelsea side travel to face former club Hull City in Friday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at the MKM Stadium.
It’s been less than two years since Rosenior parted ways with the Tigers in May 2024, but he’ll be eager to mark his return with a positive result as the Blues look to avoid another early exit, having been knocked out at this stage by Brighton & Hove Albion last season.
Hull City, meanwhile, have a daunting historical record against their London visitors, having failed to register a win over Chelsea since 1988—a 3-0 victory in the old second division. In the 16 meetings since, the Tigers have managed to avoid defeat just twice, and they come into Friday’s clash on an eight-game losing streak against the Blues, including back-to-back cup eliminations in February 2018 and January 2020.
Sergej Jakirovic’s side, currently pushing for a Championship playoff spot, will hope to spring a surprise against their former manager. While Hull enjoyed a strong run of four straight wins after their penalty shootout triumph over Blackburn Rovers, their recent home form has been less convincing, with a goalless draw against Watford and a 3-2 loss to Bristol City leaving them short on momentum ahead of Chelsea’s visit.
Nevertheless, the 2014 FA Cup finalists are eager to make the most of their first appearance in the fourth round since 2020—when they were also eliminated by Chelsea—as they aim to reach the fifth round for the first time since 2018.
Standing in their way is a Chelsea team now led by Rosenior, who came close to guiding Hull to the playoffs in the 2023-24 campaign before his departure. Since then, Rosenior’s managerial career has flourished, with a successful stint at Strasbourg paving the way for his move to West London.
Despite a 2-2 league draw with Leeds on Tuesday, Rosenior’s tenure at Chelsea has largely been positive, with the Blues winning seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, last year’s fourth-round defeat to Brighton still lingers as a reminder of their recent struggles in the FA Cup. Since reaching three consecutive finals from 2020 to 2022, Chelsea have suffered early exits at the hands of Manchester City and Brighton, with only a semifinal run in 2023-24 breaking that pattern. Replicating that success this year would certainly please the club’s supporters.
Hull City vs Chelsea Team News
Semi Ajayi has been sidelined since featuring for Nigeria at AFCON 2025 due to a hamstring injury, while Mohamed Belloumi (hamstring), Cody Drameh (thigh), Darko Gyabi (groin), Matts Crooks (hamstring), and long-term absentee Eliot Matazo (knee) are also unavailable.
Oli McBurnie and Joe Gelhardt have established themselves as Hull’s main attacking threats, netting 12 and 10 Championship goals respectively. Adding to their offensive options is left-back Ryan Giles, whose eight league assists are second only to West Bromwich Albion’s Michael Johnston in the Championship. Giles will be looking to cause Chelsea problems with his attacking runs down the flank.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have several injury concerns of their own ahead of Friday’s fixture. Marc Cucurella (hamstring) was forced off at halftime against Leeds on Tuesday and could join Levi Colwill (knee), Dario Essugo, and Jamie Gittens (thigh) on the sidelines. Although Romeo Lavia has returned to team training after a thigh injury, the midfielder is unlikely to be rushed back into action. Reece James (illness), Filip Jorgensen, and Tosin Adarabioyo (hamstring) will be assessed before the trip to Hull.
With Rosenior expected to rotate his squad following Tuesday’s league match, the likes of Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, Jorrel Hato, Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana could be in line for starts. Additionally, Mamadou Sarr may make his second competitive appearance for the Blues since featuring in the Club World Cup group stage against Esperance.
Hull City vs ChelseaPrediction
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