Hull vs Chelsea Prediction, Match Preview, 13 February

Hull City face Chelsea in an intriguing FA Cup clash at the MKM Stadium on Friday, 13 February. This fixture pits Hull, a club with a proud history in English football, against Chelsea, one of the Premier League’s leading sides. The FA Cup is renowned for its upsets, and Hull will be eager to make an impression against their illustrious opponents.

The MKM Stadium will be the stage where Hull hope to capitalise on home advantage against Chelsea’s formidable line-up. The FA Cup often brings out the best in underdog teams, and Hull will look to defy the odds. Meanwhile, Chelsea are determined to progress in the competition and add another trophy to their collection. This match promises to be a captivating contest between two ambitious sides.

Hull vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Chelsea to Win	1.31

Chelsea enter this FA Cup Fourth Round tie as clear favourites, buoyed by their recent head-to-head superiority and the return of key players from injury. While Hull City have shown solid form in the Championship, Chelsea’s superior squad quality and tactical discipline make them the likely winners. Our recommended betting tip is to back Chelsea to win, reflecting their strong position and market odds of 1/4, which indicate high confidence in their victory.

• Chelsea have won four of their last five meetings with Hull City, underlining their dominance in this fixture.
• The return of key players such as Mamadou Sarr and Romeo Lavia significantly strengthens Chelsea’s line-up.
• Hull City’s potential absences and reliance on new, untested signings weaken their chances against a formidable opponent.

Betting Odds

Chelsea approach this FA Cup tie as strong favourites, with the betting odds reflecting their superior form and squad depth. Hull City, playing at the MKM Stadium, are considered underdogs, but the magic of the cup can sometimes produce surprises.

Betting Tip	Odds
Hull to win	8.49
Draw	5.2
Chelsea to win	1.31

For those looking to place a wager, the odds on a Chelsea win are quite short, so exploring alternative markets such as Chelsea to win with a clean sheet or over 2.5 goals could offer better value. Meanwhile, a draw at full-time may appeal to those expecting a closer contest.

Hull City Analysis & Recent Performance

Hull City’s recent form has been positive, recording three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Notably, Hull secured victories over Swansea (2-1), Blackburn (1-0), and Preston (3-0), demonstrating their ability to grind out results both home and away.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Hull	Bristol City	2 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	7 Feb 2026
Hull	Watford	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	3 Feb 2026
Blackburn	Hull	0 – 1 (Win)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Hull	Swansea	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	24 Jan 2026
Preston	Hull	0 – 3 (Win)	Championship	20 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Hull’s attack has been consistent, averaging 1.60 goals per match over their last five games, while their defence has been robust, conceding an average of just 0.80 goals per game and keeping three clean sheets. This balance between attack and defence shows a team with a solid foundation.

At home, Hull’s form has been a little inconsistent with two wins, two losses, and one draw from their last five home fixtures. This includes a recent 2-3 defeat to Bristol City, highlighting some vulnerabilities in their home performances.

Overall, Hull’s win ratio stands at 60% in their last ten matches, scoring in 80% of these games. The team’s ability to keep clean sheets in 40% of recent games underlines their defensive discipline—an aspect they will need to rely on against Chelsea.

• LDWWW

Hull City Suspensions & Injuries

Hull City approach this crucial FA Cup clash against Chelsea with a clean bill of health and no suspensions. This fortunate situation allows manager Sergej Jakirovic to field his strongest line-up without any forced changes. The absence of injuries and suspensions should provide Hull with a tactical advantage, enabling them to focus on their game plan without compensating for missing players.

With a full squad available, Hull can maintain their preferred formation and style of play. This continuity is vital, especially when facing a strong opponent like Chelsea. The stability in selection could improve team cohesion and performance, as players are familiar with their roles. Such consistency is often crucial in high-stakes matches, where disruption can be detrimental.

The availability of all players also means Hull can execute tactical strategies without compromise. This could be important for defensive formations or quick transitions in attack. The flexibility to select the best-suited players for specific roles against Chelsea’s line-up could be key to Hull’s hopes of a positive result.

From a betting perspective, the absence of injuries or suspensions may make Hull a more competitive proposition against Chelsea than if they were missing key players. Bettors may see value in Hull’s odds, knowing they can field their strongest team.

Hull City Key Players

Hull City will look to their top scorer—whose identity is currently unspecified—to lead their attacking efforts against Chelsea. While details about their goal tally and playing style are lacking, their status as top scorer highlights their importance in the offensive set-up. In the expected line-up, Hull’s midfield will be pivotal, likely tasked with controlling the tempo and supporting both defence and attack.

In defence, the anticipated line-up suggests a solid backline, which will be essential in dealing with Chelsea’s attacking threats. The defenders must be at their best to maintain Hull’s strong defensive record. The midfielders, though unnamed, are expected to shield the defence and launch counter-attacks, reflecting the tactical flexibility Hull may employ.

Overall, the collective effort of Hull’s expected line-up will be crucial in shaping their tactical approach. The synergy between defensive solidity, midfield control, and attacking prowess will determine their ability to compete. The strengths of key players, though unspecified, will likely lie in their adaptability, making this a potentially intriguing contest.

Hull City Tactics and Formation

Hull Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Oli McBurnie
• Midfield Engine: Regan Slater and John Lundstram
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded three goals in the last match
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and compact central defence.

Hull City are expected to retain their 3-5-2 formation, which focuses on defensive solidity and attacking width. With Paddy McNair, John Egan, and Charlie Hughes forming the back three, the team aims for a compact defensive line, though recent performances have shown vulnerabilities, as seen in the three goals conceded against Bristol City.

In midfield, Regan Slater and John Lundstram are key, responsible for breaking up opposition play and transitioning the ball forward. Wing-backs Lewie Coyle and Ryan Giles are crucial for providing width and supporting attacks, allowing Hull to stretch play and create chances from the flanks.

Up front, Hull rely on the partnership of Oli McBurnie and Kyle Joseph. McBurnie’s physical presence and aerial ability are vital at set-pieces, while Joseph’s movement and pace help exploit defensive gaps. Despite their attacking potential, Hull’s lack of recent clean sheets highlights the need for improved defensive coordination.

Chelsea Analysis & Recent Performance

Chelsea have shown strong form in recent fixtures, recording three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Notable performances include a 3-1 away victory over Wolverhampton and a thrilling 3-2 win against Napoli in the Champions League. Their resilience was also evident in a 2-2 draw with Leeds at Stamford Bridge, where they enjoyed 66% possession and outshot their opponents 19 to 4.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Chelsea	Leeds	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	Feb 10, 2026
Wolverhampton	Chelsea	1 – 3 (Win)	Premier League	Feb 7, 2026
Arsenal	Chelsea	1 – 0 (Loss)	EFL Cup	Feb 3, 2026
Chelsea	West Ham	3 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	Jan 31, 2026
SSC Napoli	Chelsea	2 – 3 (Win)	Champions League	Jan 28, 2026

Recent Form:
Chelsea’s attack has been effective, averaging 2.20 goals per game in their last five matches, scoring 11 goals in total. However, their defence has shown weaknesses, conceding an average of 1.60 goals per match and failing to keep a clean sheet in this period. This suggests a need for greater defensive solidity, especially in away games where they have conceded in each of their last five.

Chelsea’s away form is impressive, with four wins from their last five matches on the road, reflecting strong adaptability and tactical acumen. Despite conceding eight goals in these games, their ability to secure victories away from home—with a win ratio of 0.80—shows a team capable of overcoming defensive issues through offensive efficiency.

• DWLWW

Chelsea Suspensions & Injuries

Chelsea approach this FA Cup tie against Hull City with a clean bill of health, as there are no injuries or suspensions affecting the squad. This gives manager Liam Rosenior the luxury of selecting from a full roster, which is a significant advantage in a knockout competition.

With no unavailable players, Chelsea can field their strongest line-up, potentially including key figures such as Enzo Fernández and João Pedro, who have been pivotal in recent performances.

With no injury concerns, Chelsea’s tactical setup can remain consistent, enabling them to maintain their preferred formation and style of play. This consistency should enhance their performance, particularly in midfield, where their depth and quality can dominate proceedings.

Full squad availability may also influence betting markets, as Chelsea’s odds could be more favourable given their complete line-up. This could be decisive for punters considering the team’s recent form and the strength they can now deploy.

Chelsea Key Players

Chelsea’s key player spotlight falls on their top scorer, Marc Guiu, who has found the net once this season. As a forward, Guiu’s sharpness in front of goal will be vital against Hull City. His ability to exploit space and finish clinically makes him a persistent threat to opposing defences. His role will be crucial in breaking down Hull’s backline, and his goal-scoring instincts could prove decisive.

In midfield, players like Conor Gallagher are expected to dictate the tempo. Gallagher’s dynamic playmaking and vision allow Chelsea to transition swiftly from defence to attack, creating opportunities for the forwards. His work rate and passing will be instrumental in controlling the midfield battles.

Defensively, the expected line-up will likely feature experienced defenders adept at maintaining a solid backline. Their collective experience and reading of the game will be essential to nullify Hull’s attacking threats. The cohesion between these key players will shape Chelsea’s tactical approach, focusing on a balanced attack and resilient defence.

Chelsea’s expected line-up features a strong blend of goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, each with clearly defined roles to maximise their strengths. Their combined efforts will be crucial to Chelsea’s quest for victory in this FA Cup tie.

Chelsea Tactics and Formation

Chelsea Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-3-3
• Key Forward: João Pedro
• Midfield Strength: Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández
• Defensive Setup: No clean sheets in last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession and pressing game.

Chelsea’s anticipated 4-3-3 formation offers attacking flexibility and midfield solidity. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are pivotal in controlling the midfield, balancing defensive cover with offensive support. João Pedro is expected to lead the line, supported by dynamic wingers such as Cole Palmer and Estevão.

Defensively, Chelsea’s set-up with Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah at centre-back aims to provide stability despite recent vulnerabilities, having conceded in their last five matches. Full-backs Josh Acheampong and Malo Gusto are vital for width and defensive support.

Offensively, Chelsea thrive on high possession and a pressing game, focusing on quick transitions from defence to attack. This approach has seen them dominate possession, as in their 66% share against Leeds, though they have struggled to keep clean sheets.

Hull City vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Record

Examining the head-to-head record between Hull City and Chelsea, it’s clear Chelsea have dominated this fixture, winning 11 of the 13 encounters, with Hull yet to claim a victory. The last meeting was in the FA Cup in January 2020, when Chelsea secured a 2-1 win at Hull’s ground.

The FA Cup has seen these sides meet several times, with Chelsea consistently emerging victorious. The last time Hull hosted Chelsea in the league was in October 2016, when Chelsea also won 2-0. Historically, Hull’s home advantage has made little difference, with Chelsea’s strong form prevailing.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Hull City	Chelsea	1 – 2	FA Cup	25 January 2020
Chelsea	Hull City	4 – 0	FA Cup	16 February 2018
Chelsea	Hull City	2 – 0	Premier League	22 January 2017
Hull City	Chelsea	0 – 2	Premier League	1 October 2016
Hull City	Chelsea	2 – 3	Premier League	22 March 2015