So far, so good for Hull City in their first campaign after a Premier League promotion. Undefeated in three contests, they’re riding high and raising their sights. But now they face their toughest test: traveling to Stamford Bridge to face a high-flying Chelsea squad off to a strong start themselves. This one should be fun.
Chelsea are -425 moneyline favorites for this one on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a draw available at +550. Hull City’s moneyline is set at +1100.
Chelsea vs. Hull City Prediction, Pick
Chelsea sure can’t complain about their results so far, but they probably wish they were a little calmer. In five competitive matches, they have four wins: 6-3 over Leeds United; 4-3 against Brighton; 2-0 over Luton Town; and 3-2 against Fulham. Chelsea has scored inside the first five minutes of all three Premier League matches, a first in Prem history. If they keep mounting early pressure, they’re going to pile up a lot of wins.
Hull’s beginning to the season has been nothing short of magical. Winning the EPL promotion playoff to secure their first top-flight action since 2017 was already a massive victory; pulling off two wins and a draw in their first three contests is outstanding. Hull are the only side to keep clean sheets in all their Premier League matches, which is especially impressive given their games against Manchester United and Aston Villa. Manager Sergej Jakirović has them playing excellent defensive football with his five-man back line, and the attack led by Oli McBurnie has found its moments.
This whole matchup comes down to Chelsea’s attack against Hull City’s back line. A front line fueled by Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Pedro Neto is hard to keep down for long, and the odds are pretty strong that Hull’s clean sheet streak will be snapped. This is a Chelsea attack that wants to get out and run while pushing things in the wide areas; will Hull’s wide back line be able to frustrate them and keep them from piling on the goals?
I don’t trust the Tigers to have enough attacking power to break Emi Martinez and this Chelsea back line, but I do trust them to frustrate the Blues in attack and keep enough possession to stay in striking distance. It won’t be the most exciting contest, though.
