Top of the league
Chelsea FC travel north to face a struggling Hull City that are currently in the drop zone. The Blues are fresh off a 5-0 victory in the FA Cup against Championship side Watford. They achieved this with several key players missing for the African Nations Cup (Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Solomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel). These players will be absent throughout January but Chelsea's reserves have shown themselves to be more than capable. Backup
Danny Sturridge scored a brace against Watford and may start this match against a weaker Premiership side. Chelsea are currently 2 points clear of Manchester United and will look to start off the new year by increasing their lead at the top.
Hull City are one of 3 clubs that are tied at 18 points and have an opportunity here to jump out of the relegation zone. 3 points is all but impossible but Phil Brown will adopt a defensive formation in hopes of getting a point from the London giants. A 4-1 loss to
Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup will have the players' spirits down and even though they are at home the Tigers will find it a tough task to get anything from this match. An average of 2.6 goals conceded and only 0.7 scored at home will further hamper Hull's chances.
Phil Brown will be shopping around in the January transfer window in hopes of saving his side from relegation. They have not bought anyone yet, however, and the absence of striker Jimmy Bullard should make the result a foregone conclusion.
Both teams have incredible motivation to get something from this match, but the weakness that
Hull City have shown in the back this season will be exploited by
Nicolas Anelka and possibly Danny Sturridge.
Hull City vs Chelsea F.C.
Saturday January 9, 2009
Kickoff: 13:45 CET
Venue: KC Stadium (Kingston upon Hull)
Tip: Chelsea -1.5 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 2.05 @ Bet365
