Lavia & James In Central Midfield: Predicted 3-4-2-1 Chelsea Lineup vs Hull City
Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they entertain newly-promoted Hull City at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues’ unbeaten start to the 2026/27 season was ended by bitter London rivals Arsenal last weekend. Despite scoring early via Morgan Rogers, they eventually fell to a 2-1 defeat at the home of the English champions.
Xabi Alonso was seeking an immediate response from his boys in midweek in the Carabao Cup, and he got it from his boys. The Pensioners produced an enthralling second-half display to come from two goals down to beat Leeds United 6-3 at home to qualify for the fourth round of the competition. Back in the league, they come up against a Hull City side riding high on confidence after an unbeaten start to the campaign following their promotion.
Chelsea Team News
Xabi Alonso confirmed that Moises Caicedo sustained a recurrence of his calf injury in last month’s 4-3 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, which has since ruled him out against Arsenal and Leeds United. He remains a major doubt heading into the game.
Summer signing Marco Palestra has missed the start of the season due to an unspecified injury, but the full-back is on his comeback trail. Alonso has allayed injury fears over Levi Colwill after the defender was substituted for Wesley Fofana at the 76th minute mark.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Hull City (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Mike Penders started in Chelsea’s goal against Leeds in the Carabao Cup third round, as Alonso rotated his squad. On Saturday, Emiliano Martinez is expected to replace Penders in goal against Hull City.
Defence
In front of Martinez, Chelsea are set to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. While Alonso declared that Colwill has not suffered a fresh injury, the Blues boss is unlikely to take any risks with the defender.
Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong and Maxence Lacroix constituted the back three in the defeat at Arsenal, and they are all expected to start again in the Chelsea lineup. The trio must deal with Hull’s quick transitions.
Midfield
Reece James came off the bench at half-time in their big win over Leeds in midweek, but the England international is poised to start in the Chelsea lineup here. He should continue partnering Romeo Lavia in the middle of the park.
Pedro Neto has quickly become a key player in Alonso’s system, with his versatility being valued. The Portuguese should start as the right wing-back in the Chelsea lineup, hoping to pin back Hull’s left wing-back and cause problems for the visitors in the final third. Jorrel Hato should operate from the opposite flank.
Attack
The potent front three of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers will look to continue their brilliant start to the season. Palmer scored twice against Leeds, while Rogers delivered a hat-trick of assists. The English duo will look to provide service in the box for Joao Pedro, who should be fresh to lead the attack after getting a night off in midweek.
Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco, Estevao and Geovany Quenda could get opportunities to make an impression in the second half against the Tigers.