League leaders Chelsea will be hoping to maintain their seven-point lead when they welcome Hull City on Sunday. After seeing their 13-match winning streak come to an end, the Blues returned to winning ways with a clinical 3-0 win over defending champions Leicester City and will be backing themselves to extend the winning run against the struggling Hull.

On the other hand, the visitors would be hoping to turn around their fortunes under new manager Marco Silva. Currently languishing in the 18th position in the table, they registered an impressive 3-1 win over Bournemouth last week in Silva’s first Premier League match in charge and would be desperately hoping to walk away with an unlikely point from the Stamford Bridge.

Team news:

Chelsea:

The top-scorer for Chelsea, Diego Costa will be available for selection but it is very much likely that he will start on the bench. The Spain international had been training alone having been deemed unsettled following a whopping offer from China. He was also left out of the squad that won 3-0 against the Foxes and Conte might name the same starting eleven for the game.

Veteran defender John Terry is also in contention after the suspension but is likely to be a substitute at best.

Probable lineup:

Thibaut Courtois, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Victor Moses, N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Marcos Alonso, Pedro, Willian, Eden Hazard

Hull City:

New signings Oumar Niasse and Evandro could make their full debuts while their top-scorer Robert Snodgrass is doubtful due to an injury.

Probable lineup:

Eldin Jakupovic, Harry Maguire, Michael Dawson, Curtis Davies, Adama Diomande, Ryan Mason, Tom Huddlestone, Sam Clucas, Andrew Roberton, Robert Snodgrass, Abel Hernandez

Key Stats:

The Stamford Bridge outfit is unbeaten in nine Premier League meetings with Hull (W7 D2).
The visitors’ last league win against Chelsea came in the second division when they thrashed them 3-0 at Boothferry Park way back in October 1988.
Hull’s only Premier League goal at Stamford Bridge was in August 2009.
Diego Costa has found the back of the net in all three of his previous Premier League appearances against Hull.
The Tigers have conceded 10 penalties this season – only one team in Premier League history has conceded more in a campaign (Blackburn in 2006/07, 11).

Betting Odds: (Sky bet:

Chelsea win: 1/5

Draw: 11/2

Hull City win: 12/1

Prediction:

Chelsea 3-0 Hull City