Chelsea Host Surprise Package Hull City at Stamford Bridge
One of the most intriguing fixtures of Premier League Matchday 4 takes place at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea host newly promoted Hull City on Saturday, September 12.
On paper, Chelsea are overwhelming favourites. The match graphic gives the Blues a 79% probability of victory, compared with 13% for a draw and only 8% for a Hull win.
But the Premier League table tells a much more interesting story.
After three matches, Hull City are third with seven points, one place above fourth-placed Chelsea, who have six. Even more remarkably, the newly promoted Tigers are the only team in England’s top four divisions yet to concede a league goal this season.
This sets up a fascinating battle: Chelsea’s explosive attack against Hull City’s perfect defence.
Chelsea’s EPL Form So Far: Goals, Entertainment and One Defeat
Xabi Alonso’s new-look Chelsea have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the opening weeks.
Their Premier League record stands at:
Played: 3
Won: 2
Drawn: 0
Lost: 1
Goals scored: 8
Goals conceded: 7
Points: 6
Position: 4th
Chelsea opened their campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham before beating Brighton 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.
Those two matches demonstrated exactly what makes Alonso’s Chelsea so exciting — and potentially vulnerable. The Blues possess tremendous attacking quality, but they have also been giving opponents opportunities.
Their perfect league start ended in the London derby when Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates.
Two wins from three is still an encouraging beginning.
Xabi Alonso Is Building a Dangerous Chelsea Team
Chelsea’s attacking numbers provide an indication of the potential within this squad.
The Blues have already scored eight Premier League goals, more than twice Hull’s total of three.
Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Morgan Rogers have been particularly influential. The trio have combined for 10 Premier League goal contributions through the opening three games.
Chelsea also responded impressively after losing to Arsenal. Alonso’s men came from behind to beat Leeds 6-3 in the EFL Cup in midweek.
That should restore confidence before returning to Premier League action.
However, there is one glaring weakness.
Chelsea Need to Fix Their Defence
Chelsea have conceded seven goals in three Premier League matches and are yet to keep a league clean sheet this season.
That creates an extraordinary contrast ahead of Saturday:
Chelsea: 8 scored, 7 conceded
Hull City: 3 scored, 0 conceded
Chelsea’s matches have been chaotic and goal-filled.
Hull’s have been controlled and defensively disciplined.
Something may have to give at Stamford Bridge.
Hull City Have Been the EPL’s Biggest Early Surprise
For a newly promoted club expected to spend the season battling relegation, Hull City could hardly have asked for a better beginning.
The Tigers enter Matchday 4 unbeaten.
Their record reads:
Played: 3
Won: 2
Drawn: 1
Lost: 0
Goals scored: 3
Goals conceded: 0
Points: 7
Position: 3rd
Yes — Hull are above Chelsea in the Premier League table.
More importantly for a newly promoted side, their defensive organisation has been exceptional.
Three games. Three clean sheets.
Hull have not needed to score heavily because opponents simply haven’t been able to score against them.
Hull’s Survival Fight Could Be Built on Defence
For newly promoted clubs, Premier League survival is often about finding an identity quickly.
Hull appear to have found theirs.
Rather than trying to outscore established Premier League teams every week, they have built their strong start around defensive organisation and discipline.
Seven points from their opening nine available represents a huge early boost in their fight to remain in the Premier League.
However, Chelsea will provide their biggest defensive examination yet.
Stopping Palmer, Rogers, João Pedro and the rest of Alonso’s attacking options at Stamford Bridge is a very different challenge.
If Hull can leave London with another clean sheet, people may have to start viewing their opening form as something more significant than a good start.
Chelsea Attack vs Hull Defence Is the Key Battle
This is the matchup that could define the entire contest.
Chelsea have one of the league’s most productive attacks.
Hull have its only perfect defence.
The Tigers will probably be comfortable allowing Chelsea to have possession for extended periods, protecting central areas and waiting for opportunities to counterattack.
Chelsea therefore need patience.
Trying to force the opening goal could play directly into Hull’s hands.
If Chelsea score early, the entire tactical picture changes because Hull may be forced to become more adventurous.
But the longer the match remains 0-0, the more confidence the visitors should gain.
Chelsea vs Hull City Win Probability
According to the probability graphic provided:
Chelsea win: 79%
Draw: 13%
Hull City win: 8%
Chelsea’s home advantage and attacking quality explain why they are such strong favourites.
History also heavily favours the Blues. Chelsea have never lost to Hull in their 10 previous Premier League meetings, winning eight and drawing two.
However, this version of Hull deserves respect.
They are unbeaten, sit third and haven’t conceded.
Can Hull City Shock Chelsea?
Absolutely — but they will need another outstanding defensive performance.
Chelsea’s weakness is obvious. Alonso’s side score plenty, but they also concede plenty.
If Hull remain compact, frustrate Chelsea and then attack quickly when possession changes, they could create opportunities against the Blues’ defence.
There is also pressure on Chelsea.
After losing the London derby to Arsenal, dropping more Premier League points at home would allow the early leaders to move further ahead.
Hull, meanwhile, can approach Stamford Bridge with considerably less pressure.
Few expect them to win.
That makes them dangerous.
Chelsea vs Hull City Prediction
This is much more difficult to predict than the 79% Chelsea win probability might suggest.
Hull’s defensive record deserves enormous respect, and their unbeaten start shows that the newly promoted side are ready to compete.
However, Chelsea possess attacking quality Hull have not yet encountered this season.
Palmer, Rogers and João Pedro should constantly test the visitors, while playing at Stamford Bridge gives Alonso’s team another advantage.
The question is whether Chelsea can remain disciplined enough defensively to avoid giving Hull a route back into the game.
Bangbet Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Hull City
Predicted winner: Chelsea
And there is an important subplot to that prediction: Hull City could finally concede their first Premier League goals of the season.
Will Chelsea End Hull City’s Perfect Defensive Record?
That could be the headline coming out of Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea want to bounce back from their London derby defeat and establish themselves among the early Premier League title challengers.
Hull want to prove that their remarkable start is no fluke and continue collecting valuable points towards their primary objective of Premier League survival.
Chelsea’s attack vs Hull’s defence. Fourth vs third. Xabi Alonso’s super team against the newly promoted surprise package.
Matchday 4 has produced a fascinating contest.
Bet on Chelsea vs Hull City With Bangbet
Football fans can follow Chelsea vs Hull City and other EPL Matchday 4 fixtures on Bangbet, with different pre-match and live markets available depending on location.
Our prediction is Chelsea 2-0 Hull City, but Hull’s early performances mean the Blues should expect a serious challenge.
Predictions are opinions, not guarantees. Check the latest odds, manage your bankroll carefully and always bet responsibly.
