Hull City and Chelsea are expected to both try to snap their respective winless streaks as they face each other this Saturday in English Premier League.
After starting the season on a two-game winning run, the Tigers had been winless in their next four matches, with three of those games ending up in defeats for caretaker manager Mike Phelan’s side.
Their last game resulted in a demoralising 1-5 loss to contending team Liverpool FC one the road at the Anfield last Saturday.
Irish midfielder David Meyler was the only goalscorer for the Tigers during the match as he netted a goal six minutes into the second half after the Reds have already built a 3-0 advantage during the first half of play.
Liverpool continued to pour on the goals after that as Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho netted just one minute after Meyler’s goal while Reds vice-captain James Milner scored his second goal of the game with a spot kick at the 71st.
Meanwhile, title-favorites Chelsea suffered a second consecutive defeat as they dropped a 0-3 game to fellow contenders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium also last Saturday.
Head coach Antonio Conte’s squad was shut out for the first time this season as the Gunners scored three first half goals courtesy of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott, and Mesut Özil at the 11th, 14th, and 40th minutes.
The loss was also the third straight winless performance for the Blues, who has now plummeted to the eighth spot of the English top flight table after being among the leaders in the first few rounds of competitions.
Team News
Hull
Hull caretaker boss Mike Phelan, meanwhile, will be without the services of Michael Dawson, Moses Odubajo, Allan McGregor, Alex Bruce, Greg Luer and Brian Lenihan all of who are injured.
Predicted lineup: Marshall; Clucas, Livermore, Davies, Robertson; Mason, Huddlestone, Meyler; Snodgrass, Henriksen, Hernandez
Chelsea
Conte is expected to welcome captain John Terry back from an ankle injury, which could mean Gary Cahill dropping to the bench following his mistake for Arsenal’s first goal on Saturday.
Kurt Zouma continues his recovery from knee ligament damage and could be back in action as early as next month.
Predicted Lineup: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Terry, Luiz, Alonso; Kante; Hazard, Fabregas, Matic, Willian; Costa
Key Stats
Chelsea have won their last 4 matches against Hull in all competitions.
Chelsea have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 matches against Hull in all competitions.
Chelsea have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches in the Premier League.
Hull City have conceded 9 goals in their last 2 Premier League matches.
Hull have not won a single game against Chelsea since 1988.
Betting odds
Hull to win: 11/2
Draw: 17/5
Chelsea to win: 8/15
Prediction
Hull 0-2 Chelsea
Despite both teams having their problems at the back, Chelsea are in a much stronger position. The Blues are very capable going forward unlike the home side and should be able to edge this one. If Terry is fit enough to start, that could be a major boost for the away side. Chelsea need his expertise and organisational skills at the back. Conte’s side are in desperate need of a win here and they are likely to get one.