Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Chelsea are looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, and The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the side who will take on Hull City at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso’s side tasted defeat for the first time against Arsenal last week, however will take positives from their ability to mix with the best team in the league away from home.
While the challenge of Hull may have looked a routine one before the season began, although they have enjoyed an excellent start of the season and are yet to concede a goal in the league.
Chelsea player ratings vs Leeds
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Chelsea Predicted XI vs Hull City
This will leave Chelsea relying on their excellent frontline to show the creativity and nous required to break down a side who will be sitting in a low block throughout the game.
Let’s take a look at the side we think Alonso is going to start to try and return to winning ways against the newly-promoted Tigers.
Emi Martinez will return between the sticks after Mike Penders was given a rare outing in the EFL Cup victory over Leeds United.
It has been a very positive start to the season for Josh Acheampong, and he will continue in the starting side as the first member of the back three.
Maxence Lacroix has brought calmness and composure to the backline since joining from Crystal Palace, however his physicality is set to be put to the test up against Oli McBurnie.
Jorrel Hato will take the place of the final centre-back, instead of Levi Colwill who is clearly still not at 100% when it comes to his fitness.
With Marco Palestra approaching a return from injury, he will face stiff competition from Pedro Neto to start at right wing-back. The Portugal international will start this one.
Club captain Reece James will be back in midfield after being one of the super subs called upon by Alonso when things were not going well against Leeds on Wednesday.
He will be joined by Romeo Lavia. With his minutes still being managed, expect Valentin Barco to come off the bench in this one.
There will be a first Premier League start for Pep Chavarria at left wing-back. The Spaniard has impressed whenever given the opportunity so far since moving to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Carabao Cup Third Round
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The front three picks itself at the minute. Cole Palmer is back to his best this season, and will take a lot of the creative responsibility on his shoulders in this one.
Best friend Morgan Rogers has taken no time at all to settle in at Stamford Bridge, and will be on the hunt for his third Premier League goal of the season.
Joao Pedro was the only member of the front three to get a complete rest against Leeds, and will be up for the battle of taking on three Hull centre-backs.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Hull City (3-4-2-1): Martinez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Hato; Neto, James, Lavia, Chavarria; Palmer, Rogers; Pedro