Hull City vs Chelsea Prediction: Chelsea will defeat Hull City 3-1 in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, February 14, 2026, as the Premier League side’s superior squad depth and technical quality should overcome the Championship team’s home advantage at the MKM Stadium.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | FA Cup Fourth Round |
| Date | Friday, February 14, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 7:45 PM GMT |
| Venue | MKM Stadium, Hull |
| Last Meeting | January 2020 (Chelsea won 2-1) |
| Current Form | Hull: WWWDL / Chelsea: WWLWD |
Key Facts
- Chelsea holds an impressive record against Hull City with 16 matches played since 1988, winning 14 and drawing 2.
- Hull City has not defeated Chelsea in 38 years, with their last victory coming in 1988 (3-0).
- Liam Rosenior returns to his former club as Chelsea manager after being dismissed by Hull in May 2024.
- Chelsea seeks to avoid consecutive fourth-round exits after losing to Brighton last season.
- Hull City enters the match on a mixed run with four consecutive wins followed by a draw and a loss.
- Ryan Giles leads the Championship in assists with eight, second only to West Brom’s Michael Johnston.
- Chelsea has won seven of their last 10 matches across all competitions under Rosenior.
On This Page
Hull City vs Chelsea Preview
Chelsea travels to the MKM Stadium on Friday evening for an FA Cup fourth-round clash that carries significant emotional weight.
Liam Rosenior faces his former employers less than two years after Hull City terminated his contract in May 2024.
The English manager nearly guided the Tigers to Championship playoffs during the 2023-24 season but fell short of the target.
The Blues arrive in Yorkshire with momentum despite dropping points against Leeds United in a 2-2 draw on Tuesday.
Rosenior’s appointment has transformed Chelsea’s fortunes, though questions remain about the sustainability of their recent performances.
The capital club aims to progress beyond the fourth round after disappointing exits in recent seasons.
Hull City occupies a playoff position in the Championship and harbors ambitions of reaching the Premier League.
The Tigers claimed four straight victories before recent setbacks against Watford (0-0 draw) and Bristol City (3-2 loss).
Manager Sergej Jakirovic knows his team faces a formidable challenge against superior opposition but will draw inspiration from the home crowd.
Expected Hull City vs Chelsea Lineups
Hull City Predicted Starting XI (3-4-2-1)
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Goalkeeper: Pandur
Defenders: McNair, Egan, Hughes
Midfielders: Coyle (Right Wing-Back), Slater (Central Midfield), Lundstram (Central Midfield), Giles (Left Wing-Back)
Attacking Midfielders: Gelhardt, Joseph
Striker: McBurnie
Chelsea Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Sanchez
Defenders: Acheampong (Right-Back), Fofana (Center-Back), Badiashile (Center-Back), Hato (Left-Back)
Defensive Midfielders: Caicedo, Santos
Attacking Midfielders: Neto (Right Wing), Estevao (Central Attacking Midfield), Garnacho (Left Wing)
Striker: Delap
Note: These lineups represent expected rotations from both managers, with Chelsea likely to make changes after their midweek Premier League fixture against Leeds United. Liam Rosenior may rotate his squad to keep players fresh while maintaining competitive strength for the FA Cup tie.
Team Injuries and Availability
Hull City Injuries
The Tigers face several significant absences for this crucial fixture. Semi Ajayi remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign.
Mohamed Belloumi (hamstring), Cody Drameh (thigh), and Darko Gyabi (groin) all miss out through various muscular problems.
Matts Crooks continues his recovery from a hamstring issue, while Eliot Matazo faces a long-term absence due to knee surgery.
Chelsea Injuries
Chelsea’s injury situation appears more fluid heading into Friday’s match.
Marc Cucurella suffered a hamstring problem during the Leeds match and faces a late fitness test.
Levi Colwill (knee), Dario Essugo, and Jamie Gittens (thigh) remain unavailable. Romeo Lavia has returned to team training after recovering from a thigh injury but lacks match fitness.
Reece James (illness), Filip Jorgensen, and Tosin Adarabioyo (hamstring) will undergo assessments before the match.
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Cucurella’s potential absence creates problems for Chelsea’s left flank.
The Spanish defender provides width and defensive stability, qualities that become crucial against Hull’s attacking threats. His withdrawal at halftime against Leeds highlighted the severity of his hamstring concern.
For Hull, losing Ajayi weakens their defensive organization. The Nigerian international brings experience and aerial dominance to the backline.
His absence forces Jakirovic to reshuffle his defensive setup against Chelsea’s varied attacking options.
Where to Watch Live
Fans across the globe can watch this FA Cup encounter through various broadcasters. In the United Kingdom, BBC One provides free-to-air coverage, with streaming available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Web.
TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate offer additional viewing options, accessible through discovery+ platforms.
United States viewers can tune in via ESPN2 or stream through ESPN Select and the ESPN App.
Canadian audiences have access through Sportsnet World and Sportsnet Plus.
International coverage spans multiple continents. European nations receive broadcasts through DAZN (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland), Viaplay (Nordic countries), and beIN Sports (France).
Asian markets access the match via Sony LIV (India), Astro (Malaysia), and various regional providers.
Tactical Analysis
Hull City typically deploys a 3-4-2-1 formation that emphasizes wing-back contributions.
Ryan Giles operates as an attacking left wing-back, creating chances through crosses and overlapping runs.
The system allows Hull to transition quickly from defense to attack while maintaining numerical stability in midfield.
Chelsea under Rosenior favors a flexible 4-2-3-1 that can morph into a 4-3-3 depending on match situations.
The Blues prioritize possession and quick combinations in the final third. Rosenior’s tactical approach emphasizes high pressing and rapid ball circulation to break down defensive structures.
The tactical battle centers on Hull’s ability to exploit spaces behind Chelsea’s full-backs against the visitors’ superior technical quality. Chelsea’s midfield control will prove decisive if they can neutralize Giles’ creative influence.
Key Players to Watch
Oli McBurnie leads Hull’s attacking line with 12 Championship goals this season.
The Scottish striker combines physical presence with intelligent movement, creating problems for defenders through hold-up play and finishing ability.
His partnership with Joe Gelhardt (10 goals) provides Hull with genuine goal threats.
Ryan Giles represents Hull’s primary creative outlet. His eight league assists demonstrate his ability to deliver quality service from wide positions. Chelsea must contain his forward runs to limit Hull’s attacking potential.
For Chelsea, Liam Delap could feature prominently after limited recent action. The young forward possesses pace and directness that troubles Championship defenses.
Alejandro Garnacho brings creativity and unpredictability from wide areas, while Moises Caicedo anchors the midfield with defensive discipline and passing range.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Chelsea dominates this fixture historically. The Blues have won eight consecutive matches against Hull since February 2018, including FA Cup victories in 2018 (4-0) and 2020 (2-1).
Hull’s last positive result came in October 2016 when they held Chelsea to a goalless draw at the MKM Stadium.
Recent encounters show Chelsea’s superiority across all metrics. The Blues average 2.5 goals per game against Hull while conceding just 0.8 goals. Hull has scored only three goals in their last six meetings with Chelsea.
Current Standings
Chelsea sits in the Premier League’s top positions, competing for European qualification.
Their recent form shows resilience despite occasional setbacks. The Blues have accumulated points through consistent performances against mid-table opposition.
Hull City occupies sixth place in the Championship with playoff aspirations. The Tigers have collected victories against direct rivals, demonstrating their credentials for promotion contention.
Their home form provides a foundation for their playoff challenge.
Prediction
Chelsea’s quality and depth should prove decisive despite Hull’s home advantage and emotional motivation.
The visitors possess superior technical ability and tactical flexibility that will overwhelm Championship opposition over 90 minutes.
Rosenior’s familiarity with Hull’s setup provides additional strategic advantages.
Hull will create opportunities through set pieces and Giles’ delivery, but Chelsea’s defensive organization should limit clear chances.
The Blues’ attacking rotation and fresh legs from the bench will wear down Hull’s resistance in the second half.
Expected outcome: Hull City 1-3 Chelsea
Chelsea advances to the FA Cup fifth round through goals from multiple sources. Hull scores a consolation goal but cannot match the visitors’ overall quality.
The result continues Chelsea’s historical dominance in this fixture while ending Hull’s cup run.
Read all Football Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch Hull City vs. Chelsea Live?
Fans can watch Hull City vs. Chelsea live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom, TNT Sports 1 for subscription viewers, ESPN2 and ESPN Select in the United States, and through various international broadcasters including DAZN in Germany, Viaplay in Nordic countries, and beIN Sports across the Middle East and North Africa.
Who Will Win Hull City vs. Chelsea Match?
Chelsea will win the Hull City match based on their historical dominance with 14 victories in 16 meetings since 1988, superior Premier League squad quality, and tactical flexibility under manager Liam Rosenior despite Hull’s home advantage at the MKM Stadium.
What is Hull City vs. Chelsea Match Kick-Off Time?
The Hull City vs. Chelsea FA Cup fourth round match kicks off at 7:45 PM GMT on Friday, February 14, 2026, at the MKM Stadium in Hull, England.
Are There Any Injuries in Hull City vs. Chelsea Match?
Hull City will miss Semi Ajayi, Mohamed Belloumi, Cody Drameh, Darko Gyabi, Matts Crooks, and Eliot Matazo through various injuries, while Chelsea faces potential absences of Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, and Jamie Gittens, with Reece James, Filip Jorgensen, and Tosin Adarabioyo requiring late fitness assessments.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Hull City vs. Chelsea Match?
The predicted score for Hull City vs. Chelsea is 1-3 in favor of Chelsea, with the Premier League side’s attacking depth and quality expected to overcome Hull’s Championship-level defense despite the Tigers scoring through set pieces or Ryan Giles’ creative delivery.
Chelsea Standing with Points?
Chelsea currently competes in the Premier League’s upper positions with strong form showing seven wins from their last 10 matches across all competitions under manager Liam Rosenior, positioning themselves for European qualification contention in the 2025-26 season.
Hull City Standing With Points?
Hull City occupies sixth place in the Championship table with playoff aspirations for the 2025-26 season, demonstrating promotion credentials through recent victories against direct rivals before their latest setbacks against Watford and Bristol City.