The latest Chelsea team news, injury update and predicted XI as they prepare to take on Hull City in the Premier League
Chelsea stormed back to winning ways on Wednesday evening, as they came from two goals down to hammer Leeds United 6-3 in a classic Carabao Cup encounter at Stamford Bridge. Substitutes Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer helped the Blues fight back in style, as they overpowered their Premier League rivals to book their place in the fourth round.
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Next up, the Blues take on Hull City in what they would have perhaps seen as a three-point Premier League banker before the season began, but the Tigers’ flying start to the new season means Xabi Alonso’s side could be in for a tough test on Saturday afternoon. As things stand, Hull sit third in the league table with seven points and not a single goal conceded.
Heading into the game, Chelsea have a handful of injury issues to contend with. Moises Caicedo is likely to miss the game as he continues to recover from a calf injury, while Jordan Henderson is still pushing for match fitness after breaking his wrist following England’s epic World Cup win over Mexico.
Marco Palestra is closing in on a return, but may have to wait until next weekend’s clash against Brentford to make his competitive debut for the Blues. Levi Colwill missed Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal last weekend and was substituted during the win over Leeds, prompting concerns over the 23-year-old’s fitness levels.
Ahead of Saturday afternoon’s clash at Stamford Bridge, we’ve had a crack at predicting the most likely starting XI Alonso will field to take on Sergej Jakirovic’s high-flying Tigers.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Hull City: goalkeeper and defence
Malo Gusto's versatility has seen him become an invaluable player for Xabi Alonso's Chelseaplaceholder image
Malo Gusto's versatility has seen him become an invaluable player for Xabi Alonso's Chelsea | Getty Images
GK - Emi Martinez: Chelsea’s new number one was rested in midweek, with rising star Mike Penders getting the nod - something we’re likely to see in both cup competitions this season as the club look to give minutes to a future key player. Martinez will be back in goal for Hull’s visit, as he looks to pick up his first clean sheet for his new side.
RWB - Malo Gusto: The France international has been used both in midfield and at wing-back this season, as Alonso continues to grapple with a shortage of numbers in the middle of the park. He’ll likely play in his favoured position this weekend, with Palestra still out of action for the time being.
CB - Wesley Fofana: For all their attacking prowess, Chelsea’s defending has been pretty diabolical this season, with ten goals conceded in just five matches. Alonso will likely stick with his back three setup despite this, and Fofana is expected to remain one of his first-choice defenders.
CB - Maxence Lacroix: It took a hefty fee of £52m to bring the powerful defender in from Crystal Palace, and the Blues will be hoping to get some clean sheets out of him sooner rather than later. He’s the only Chelsea player to play every minute of every game so far this season, and has arguably been the best of their defenders.
CB - Josh Acheampong: With Colwill clearly struggling with a fitness issue, England U21 star Acheampong is expected to fill in as the third centre-back. It’s believed that the 20-year-old received plenty of transfer interest over the summer, but the Blues were determined to hold on to a young talent who’s clearly destined for big things.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Hull City: midfield and attack
Chelsea's Joao Pedro will lead the line again when Hull City visit Stamford Bridgeplaceholder image
Chelsea's Joao Pedro will lead the line again when Hull City visit Stamford Bridge | Getty Images
CM - Reece James: With Caicedo injured and Enzo Fernandez gone with no replacement brought in, the Blues are dicing with danger when it comes to their options in midfield. James’ exceptional passing ability and composure on the ball means he can slot into the role with ease, and he’s expected to do so again when the Tigers visit SW6 on Saturday.
CM - Romeo Lavia: After an injury-ravaged start to his Chelsea career, Lavia has begun the 2026/27 season in encouraging fashion, becoming an integral part of the Blues midfield. He netted his first goal for the club last month, firing home a close range finish in his side’s 4-3 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
AMC - Morgan Rogers: Fresh from claiming four assists - and somehow not being named Man of the Match - against Leeds, Rogers is set to start again for Chelsea over rising talent Estevao. The Blues spent £117m to bring the England star in from Aston Villa, hijacking Arsenal’s attempts to sign him in a stunning summer transfer window coup.
AMC - Cole Palmer: The ex-Manchester City prospect inspired his side’s comeback against Leeds in midweek, scoring two goals as the Blues went through the gears and blasted aside their rivals. With no European football this season, Palmer is expected to benefit greatly from the extended rest time, after looking exhausted for much of the 2025/26 campaign.
ST - Joao Pedro: After looking potent in the opening games of the season, Pedro was nullified by Arsenal’s notoriously tight defence last weekend. He be eager to get back to scoring ways against Hull, and will be in excellent spirits after earning a call-up to the Brazil squad - he was brutally left out of their 2026 World Cup team by manager Carlo Ancelotti.
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