Predicted Chelsea XI vs Hull City: Martinez Returns as Alonso Rings the Changes

Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday when Hull City visit Stamford Bridge, with Xabi Alonso looking to bounce back after last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal. The Blues will also be eager to build on their thumping midweek win over Leeds United in the Carabao Cup.

Team News and Injury Update

Alonso has no fresh injury worries heading into the clash. Moises Caicedo continues his recovery from a muscle problem, while Marco Palestra (quad) and Emmanuel Emegha (hamstring) remain sidelined. Jordan Henderson is also a doubt and looks set to miss out, with the club hopeful he’ll be back in contention next week. Romeo Lavia, however, has been passed fit and should return to the squad.

Speaking ahead of the game, Alonso confirmed there was no reason to gamble on Caicedo’s fitness just yet, while stressing that Palestra was in the final stages of his rehabilitation and could be involved again either against Brentford or Bournemouth.

Predicted Chelsea Lineup

Emiliano Martinez looks certain to reclaim the gloves from Mike Penders, who deputised in the cup. Chelsea should stick with their now-familiar 3-4-2-1 shape, with Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix and either Josh Acheampong or Wesley Fofana forming the back three. Pedro Neto, fresh off signing a new long-term contract, and Jorrel Hato are the likely wing-back pairing, with Reece James expected to partner Lavia centrally in the absence of Caicedo.

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, both influential off the bench in midweek, should return to the starting XI in support of Joao Pedro, leaving Estevao and Danny Welbeck among the options from the bench.

Personally, deploying James in a deeper midfield role feels like a pragmatic fix rather than a long-term solution — but against a well-organised Hull side, it’s a sensible way to add composure without sacrificing goal threat further forward.