Following last weekend’s humbling defeat at the hands of Arsenal at the Emirates, the Blues would hope to spring back to winning ways against Hull at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday.
With 2 losses and a draw in 6 games, Chelsea are back at a familiar position on the log, and have to take all 3 points against the very defensively compact Hull in order to prove their title credentials this term. Conte remains one of the most tactically astute coaches in the world and should have a solid game plan against the Tigers.
A 4-1-4-1 lineup like this could be his starting XI.
GK – Courtois
The Belgian has kept just 1 clean sheet this term and conceded 9 times. But his woes have largely been due to a shaky defence. Against a Hull side with not so potent attacking threat, he has a chance to keep the goals out of his post.
RB – Ivanovic
Ivanovic hasn’t been utterly convincing under Conte, but still looks set to hold on to his starting berth until the likes of Alonso and Aina step up to the demanded level of quality and consistency. Due to his willingness to always burst forward, the Hull attackers could exploit the space he leaves behind to orchestrate counter-attacks.
CB – John Terry
The side’s skipper is set to make a return after missing 2 league games, which both resulted in losses following an ankle injury he sustained in the draw against Swansea. Cahill should make way for him after committing 2 errors that led to goals in as many matches.
CB – David Luiz
Provided there would be a need to switch to a 3 – 5 – 2 formation or even start out with it, Luiz’s abilities on the ball make him a good fit in the middle of the pitch. If a backline of 4 is to be deployed, he would be partnering Terry for the first time since his return to the club.
LB – Azpilicueta
Cesar remains one of Chelsea’s bright stars even during their dark days and can be counted upon to put up a great defensive and attacking performance against Hull City.
DM – Kante
Only the former Leicester City player has come close to recreating Makelele’s defensive exploits in Chelsea’s midfield, and he can help break up Hull City’s attacking play every time they get an opportunity to create one. His presence in front of the rearguard should as usual help ease the load on the defenders.
CM – Matic
In a 4-2-4 system, the Serbian is definitely getting the nod to pair Kante, but would be slightly deployed further up the pitch in other formations. His box-to-box prowess means he would contribute to the defence and attack as usual, and he sure can be the side’s main anchor on his day.
AMR – Willian
Having struggled to find his feet in the last 2 league games, the Brazilian wide man shouldn’t have a hard time tearing Hull’s defence apart with his tricks and flicks.
AMC – Oscar
Fabregas’ brace in the EFL Cup game against Leicester City earned him a starting spot against Arsenal, but he couldn’t justify his inclusion, and could get dropped for Oscar. The Brazilian attacker’s defensive and tracking back abilities would be needed against a physical side like Hull.
AML – Hazard
His displays in the club’s recent losses were definitely way below par, but he can use the Hull game as a stepping stone to get back to his early season’s fine form. He sure would cause all sorts of trouble for the Hull City back line.
CF – Costa
The highest goal scorer in the league at the moment would be looking to increase his goals tally against Hull, and it would be eye-catching to see how he does that against a side known for their resilience in defence.
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