The Premier League's top scorers will be visited by the only team yet to concede in a battle between 3rd and 4th place on Saturday.
Chelsea vs Hull City: Premier League preview, Gameweek 4, 2026
Chelsea and Hull City faced off in the FA Cup last season. Source: Scott Llewellyn - MI News.
Newly promoted Hull City visit Stamford Bridge for the first time since a 2018 FA Cup tie, which the Blues’ won 4-0 on their way to lifting the trophy.
Eight years ago, a free scoring Chelsea attack lined up against the Tigers and an Argentinian goalkeeper was protected by three centre-backs.
There are many similarities to be seen between the respective Chelsea squads in 2018 and the present. However, the same cannot be said for Hull who have since returned to the English top flight.
The East Yorkshire side have shocked everyone following their promotion from the Championship via the playoffs. After three weeks of Premier League action, they are the only team yet to concede a league goal and sit third in the table with seven points.
Team news
Chelsea
Xabi Alonso must continue to cope without the services of Moises Caicedo in midfield, with the midfielder still recovering from an injury suffered just before the start of the season. Chelsea’s new Italian wing-back Marco Palestra also remains on the sidelines.
Marco Palestra is yet to make his Premier League debut for the Blues. Source: Ryan Pierse - Getty Images.
Marco Palestra is yet to make his Premier League debut for the Blues. Source: Ryan Pierse - Getty Images.
Midfield continues to be a problem area for the Blues. It is likely that the midfield pairing of Romeo Lavia and Reece James will line up again, although Valentin Barco may be given the nod following his second half performance against Leeds in the Carabao Cup.
Maxence Lacroix has cemented his place at the heart of the back three but any two of Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill could line up alongside him. The latter captained Chelsea in midweek but was only fit enough for the bench last time out in the Premier League due to a minor injury.
Hull City
Sergej Jakirovic was rewarded for his side’s impressive start to the Premier League season with the Manager of the Month award for August.
He may be able to call on new signing Tim Iroegbunam for the first time with the young midfielder joining from Everton at the end of the transfer window. Meanwhile, Charlie Hughes, who played a big part in their promotion push last season, remains sidelined with a groin injury having not played for the Tigers since the playoff final.
Stand-out centre-back Nobel Mendy was substituted at half-time when Hull travelled to Sunderland during the week and is yet to complete 90 minutes for his new team. However, Jakirovic confirmed that the change was planned and that Mendy should be available to start at Stamford Bridge.
Nobel Mendy scored the second goal for Hull against Manchester United. Source: George Wood - Getty Images.
Nobel Mendy scored the second goal for Hull against Manchester United. Source: George Wood - Getty Images.
Likely lineups
Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Martinez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Fofana; Neto, James, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro
Hull City (5-4-1): Tzolakis; Coyle, Ajayi, Egan, Mendy, Giles; Belloumi, Slater, Gourna-Douath, Stroud; McBurnie
Key players
Chelsea - Joao Pedro
Chelsea’s new number nine was named Player of the Month for August, rewarding his impactful start to the season.
He has played every Premier League minute so far and has racked up a total of four goal contributions across three games - including a goal and assist against his former club Brighton last time Stamford Bridge hosted a Premier League game.
Joao Pedro enjoyed scoring against his former side in Chelsea's first league game at home. Source: Jacques Feeney - Offside.
Joao Pedro enjoyed scoring against his former side in Chelsea's first league game at home. Source: Jacques Feeney - Offside.
The trio of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have already displayed just how dangerous they can be. On Wednesday, the responsibility fell on the latter two to complete a comeback victory over Leeds, while Joao Pedro was able to rest ahead of the upcoming visit of Hull City.
Hull City - Mohamed Belloumi
Belloumi was a major part of Hull’s playoff campaign, coming off the bench to score and assist in the second leg of their semi-final against Millwall.
Since joining Hull in 2024, the Algerian winger has struggled with various injury problems but is now playing a key role for them upon their return to the top flight.
Mohamed Belloumi's impact from the bench helped take Hull City to the Championship Playoff Final. Source: Jacques Feeney - Offside.
Mohamed Belloumi's impact from the bench helped take Hull City to the Championship Playoff Final. Source: Jacques Feeney - Offside.
Jakirovic’s team prioritise defensive solidity and staying compact, meaning Belloumi has been allowed to thrive on the counter attack - utilising his pace and skill as an important outlet for the team.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
Stamford Bridge
What time is kick-off?
3pm UK time
How can I watch?
The match will not be available to watch in the UK