Hull are yet to concede a goal since returning to the Premier League
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Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic quipped that the most effective way to halt Chelsea’s fluent attack is "to kick them".
The Tigers are yet to concede a single goal since returning to the Premier League, having beaten Manchester United and Coventry before drawing with Aston Villa last week.
Their defensive unit faces its sternest examination yet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday against a formidable Chelsea frontline comprising Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
Xavi Alonso’s team have been in prolific form this season, scoring 16 goals across five league and cup fixtures.
Asked how Hull might neutralise them, Jakirovic joked: "To kick them? No, if you are there man-marking, you don’t have chance.
Jakirovic joked that kicking Chelsea would be the best option for his teamopen image in gallery
Jakirovic joked that kicking Chelsea would be the best option for his team (Reuters)
"So, it’s very, very simple because they are capable to pass one, two, three players. It’s about being together – compact team, team effort and defending as a team, and we will see.
"But they have very, very big quality and it will be very, very demanding for us. Tough, but we will see. Like I said, it’s a great challenge ahead of us, and we will try to play."
Taking seven points from three matches represents an impressive start that has perhaps raised expectations following Hull's Premier League return, but Jakirovic insists his side can still improve.
"Every game, it’s a new challenge. Like I said, we will try to play even better than the first three rounds," he said.
"I expect in every game that we grow, and it’s a great experience for us. Also now we have three games behind us, and still we can play better.
"We can improve for a lot of things, like I said, in all moments of the play, and we will see. We have seven points, which is good. We didn’t concede, which is excellent.
Hull have made a strong start to the season, beating Manchester United and Coventryopen image in gallery
Hull have made a strong start to the season, beating Manchester United and Coventry (Reuters)
"But I also know that a lot of teams will be very motivated to score against us, which is normal, and it’s just about tactical discipline, no matter what’s going on on the pitch, that we keep our focus and we have we have our tactical plan and we try to show this on the pitch."
Hull have no fresh fitness concerns ahead of their trip to the capital, with Brooke Norton-Cuffy, John Egan and Paddy McNair all cleared to play. Hidemasa Morita and Charlie Hughes remain sidelined.
"Still Morita, Charlie Hughes but I think that’s it," Jakirovic confirmed when asked about potential squad absentees.
"Cuffy is fine after a scan, Paddy McNair is fine. Some problems after the Sunderland game (on Tuesday) but nothing special and they will be available for the game.
"Norton-Cuffy felt his calf after the game against Aston Villa. The next day we sent him for a scan and the scan said there was nothing. He felt something off the ball. He didn’t feel good with his calf and we took precautions."