Chelsea face the Premier League’s only remaining perfect defence when Hull City visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Xabi Alonso’s side have already shown they can score freely.
Chelsea have struck 16 times across their opening five competitive matches, including six during Wednesday’s remarkable Carabao Cup comeback against Leeds United.
ReadChelsea’s Chelsea 6-3 Leeds match report detailed how Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers transformed the tie after half-time.
Breaking down Hull could present a completely different challenge.
The newly-promoted Tigers have not conceded a single Premier League goal after three matches.
They have taken seven points and arrive at Stamford Bridge unbeaten in the league.
Ready for another battle at the Bridge 💪 pic.twitter.com/8bp3vU6R4k
— Hull City (@HullCity) September 10, 2026
Hull City defence faces major Chelsea test
Hull started their season by beating Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium.
They followed that with a 1-0 victory away at Coventry City before holding Aston Villa to a goalless draw.
That leaves Sergej Jakirovic’s side with three consecutive Premier League clean sheets.
Opta’s analysis of Hull’s draw with Aston Villa showed how the promoted side again frustrated top-flight opposition while carrying a threat themselves.
Mohamed Belloumi even struck the crossbar as Hull pushed for a winner.
Their defensive success does not appear accidental.
A detailed tactical analysis of Jakirovic’s Hull side highlighted their willingness to concede possession, defend compactly and attack quickly after winning the ball.
Hull had just 28 per cent possession when beating Manchester United.
Jakirovic has regularly used a 5-4-1 shape to close central spaces, with the wide midfielders dropping deep and Oli McBurnie providing a direct outlet further forward.
That could create an unusual test for Alonso.
Chelsea found plenty of attacking space once Wednesday’s cup tie against Leeds became stretched.
Palmer scored twice, while Morgan Rogers produced three assists in only 45 minutes.
Hull are unlikely to willingly create the same conditions.
Chelsea must show another side against Hull
Tuesday did finally bring Hull’s first defeat of the season.
Sunderland knocked them out of the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 victory, although both teams made substantial changes from their Premier League sides.
The bigger indicator for Chelsea remains Hull’s league performances.
Manchester United, Coventry and Aston Villa have all failed to score against them.
Chelsea therefore have an opportunity to become the first Premier League team to breach Jakirovic’s defence this season.
That would also answer one of Alonso’s concerns following the Leeds victory.
The Chelsea head coach wants his team to become more controlled rather than relying on chaotic, high-scoring matches.
Hull’s compact approach may force them to prove exactly that.
Chelsea host Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 12 September, with kick-off at 3pm BST.
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