Few would have envisioned Hull starting the season so strong, and they have kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets. They are only the third newly promoted side to achieve that feat.

However, keeping this Chelsea side at bay will prove to be a real challenge this weekend. With that being said though, the Blues have looked vulnerable defensively, so an open encounter which chances at both ends is expected at Stamford Bridge. 

Chelsea have already been involved in several open, high-scoring matches, including a 4-3 victory over Brighton and Wednesday’s remarkable 6-3 win against Leeds in the EFL Cup. They have seen an average of 9.8 corners per game this season, with 4.6 for, and 5.2 against.

Hull’s strong start has been built on defensive resilience, and they will once again have plenty of defending to do in London this weekend. Coe Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro have all linked well at the start of the campaign, and because of that, this selection has landed in all three of their Premier League matches. 

The Tigers collected more yellow cards than any other Championship side last season, receiving 117 across their 38 league matches. They have maintained that aggressive approach in the top flight, with eight yellow cards picked up in their three top flight games. They also landed this selection against Sunderland last time out in the EFL Cup, with three yellow cards.

Joao Pedro has made an excellent start to the campaign, scoring and assisting in consecutive Premier League victories over Fulham and Brighton. The Brazilian was active against Arsenal, and was one of Chelsea’s standout performers despite the 2-1 defeat. Joao Pedro was fouled six times in that match, meaning he has drawn 11 free kicks in his three starts this term. 

Pedro averaged 2.12 fouls drawn per 90 in the Premier League last season, which was the highest figure out of Chelsea’s regular starters. He is always looking to drop deeper in midfield to look to get on the ball, and Joao Pedro excels at drawing contact.

Oli McBurnie should lead the line for Hull this weekend, and he will have a tough job up front against Chelsea. He is likely to be quite isolated at times, but that is actually where McBurnie thrives - he likes using his physicality to draw opposing centre backs up front, and the Scottish international should have plenty of aerial duels to contest.

McBurnie has landed this selection in all three Premier League starts, and he picked up a booking against Coventry in gameweek two. 

McBurnie should find duels against Maxence Lacroix and Wesley Fofana, who are both less physical than the striker, so he should be looking forward to this matchup, and approach it with his usual aggression.

Morgan Rogers has adapted seamlessly into Chelsea’s attack, and he has hit the ground running. He scored against Fulham on his debut, before opening the scoring after only 77 seconds against Arsenal last weekend. 

Rogers is averaging 2.67 shots per 90 for Chelsea, and has recorded multiple shots in all four appearances for the Blues. This upcoming clash against Hull look like a favourable one. The Tigers are yet to concede, but they have still been giving up plenty of chances to their opponents. Man United racked up 21 shots against them in gameweek one, and were unlucky not to find the back of the