Predicted Chelsea Line-Up vs Hull City - Goalkeeper Decision Made, Impressive Midfielder Drops To Bench | OneFootball

Previewing Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Hull City on September 12.

After making nine changes in the team in midweek, Xabi Alonso is expected to return to a more familiar Chelsea starting XI for Hull City clash.

Chelsea host Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, and while the former are likely the favourites heading into this match, the newly promoted side are currently ahead in the Premier League table.

Third-placed Hull have had two league wins, against Manchester United and Coventry City, and a draw against Aston Villa so far. Chelsea, in fourth, have two wins against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion and one defeat to Arsenal.

The major talking point is, of course, Hull’s impressive defensive record. They are the only Premier League side yet to concede a goal.

In contrast, Chelsea have struggled defensively, conceding seven goals in their first three league games. But offensively, they have the joint-best record in the competition with eight goals.

After the Carabao Cup second-round win over Luton Town in late August, Alonso spoke about how he expected Chelsea to face more low blocks in the future, and Saturday’s match is likely going to be one of them.

Mike Penders got the nod to start in the 6-3 League Cup win over Leeds United on Wednesday, and despite his strong display, he will likely have to give his spot in goal to the more experienced Emiliano Martinez.

At the back three, Levi Colwill and Maxence Lacroix are expected to keep their spots, while Wesley Fofana will likely replace Josh Acheampong on the right.

Changes are also expected at wing-backs. Pedro Neto, who recently signed an improved contract with Chelsea, is likely to start on the right flank, while Jorrel Hato reclaims his spot on the left.

Alonso made a bold decision to start 16-year-old Reggie Watson against Leeds, but the young talent and his midfield partner, Valentin Barco, are unlikely to stay in the starting XI. Instead, Reece James and Romeo Lavia, who started against Arsenal, will probably start in Chelsea’s double-pivot midfield.

Both Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson are confirmed out with injuries, as are Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha.

Similarly, the front three that started against Leeds: Estevao, Jamie Gittens, and Danny Welbeck, will surely be replaced by the main trio of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Joao Pedro.

Welbeck had a great game in the Carabao Cup win, scoring twice in the second half, but both Estevao and Gittens were pulled out at half-time after disappointing performances.

Alonso had no choice but to unleash Palmer and Rogers to save the game after being down 1-0 at half-time, and the pair inspired Chelsea’s comeback victory. Palmer scored twice, while Rogers registered three assists.

Joao Pedro at least managed to get some rest, so he should hopefully be ready to find cracks in the league's best defence.

Martinez, Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill, Neto, James, Lavia, Hato, Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro