Chelsea Starting XI vs Hull City: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea XI vs Hull City: Predicted Lineup and FA Cup Team News

Chelsea travel to Hull City tonight with selection uncertainty shaping their FA Cup approach. Squad management, illness and injury have combined to create a scenario where the predicted lineup remains fluid ahead of the 7.45pm GMT kick off at the MKM Stadium.

Liam Rosenior is balancing competitiveness with caution. The FA Cup offers opportunity, yet the broader schedule demands perspective.

Reece James Decision Looms

Chelsea captain Reece James remains a doubt after illness ruled him out of the 2-2 draw with Leeds. That absence followed two earlier matches missed through a knock. While he has recovered from the initial issue, the illness lingers.

Photo IMAGO

Rosenior provided clarity in his pre match press conference. “Reece trained modified [on Wednesday]. He’s still under the weather. We’ll make a decision tomorrow [Thursday] but it’s good that he’s back on the training pitch.

“He has had a really bad bug but hopefully he recovers.”

Even if passed fit, James may not start. Rotation is expected, with Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong both options at right back.

Injury Latest Shapes Chelsea Predicted Lineup

Marc Cucurella will not feature. The severity of his hamstring problem remains under assessment, though his absence is confirmed.

“Marc is too early to know,” Rosenior said. “Obviously, he is definitely out for the game against Hull. We’re doing our scans and assessments.”

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Chelsea’s injured list includes Lavia, Colwill, Essugo, Cucurella, Gittens and Jorgensen. Tosin and James are doubts. That context explains why changes are anticipated.

Regular starters such as Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Trevoh Chalobah could be rested. Rosenior may also rotate in goal, potentially giving Robert Sanchez a breather.

Photo: IMAGO

Mamadou Sarr is expected to make his first appearance since being recalled from Strasbourg. He will either start or feature from the bench, adding physical presence to the defensive unit.

FA Cup Rotation Strategy

Chelsea’s predicted lineup in a 4-2-3-1 could read: Sanchez; Gusto, Sarr, Badiashile, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Estevao, Garnacho; Delap.

This FA Cup tie offers squad players an opportunity to stake a claim. Hull are organised and motivated, and Chelsea’s performance must reflect focus rather than familiarity.

Rotation carries risk. It also reflects confidence in depth. Rosenior’s choices tonight will signal how seriously Chelsea are prioritising the FA Cup alongside league objectives.