Premier
League leaders Chelsea will have Diego Costa available when they host Hull,
live on Sky Sports on
Nissan Super Sunday.
The striker's future at the club appeared to be in doubt following a
reported row with head coach Antonio Conte amid the backdrop of a
£30m-a-year offer from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian.
But after missing last weekend's 3-0 win at Leicester, Costa now looks set
to stay at Stamford Bridge.
"I think the player wants to stay. He is very happy to play with us," said
Conte. "This idea (the move to China) is far in his mind. He's happy to stay
here and this is the most important thing for us."
Chelsea had little trouble beating Leicester without Costa as two goals from
Marcos Alonso helped them return to winning ways after their defeat to
Tottenham.
The Blues start the weekend seven points ahead of second-placed Spurs, who
travel to Manchester City on Saturday evening, and third-placed Liverpool
who kick-off the weekend's action against Swansea.
Hull remain in the bottom three despite beating Bournemouth last weekend in
Marco Silva's first Premier League match in charge.
Silva, who has overseen two wins and a defeat since replacing Mike Phelan,
said: "It will be difficult, but we will go there and look to compete.
"We will need to produce a good team performance. We will have to show our
organisation and compete for the full 90 minutes."
Team news
Costa is available for Chelsea after a back injury but it is unclear whether
he will return to the starting line-up.
Captain John Terry is also in contention following suspension, but is likely
to be a substitute at best.
Robert Snodgrass is an injury doubt for Hull, having missing training this
week due to a muscle strain.
He will be monitored by Silva, while recent signings Oumar Niasse and
Evandro could make their full debuts. Midfielder David Meyler is hoping to
be in contention after returning to training.
Opta stats
Chelsea are unbeaten in their nine Premier League meetings with Hull (W7
D2), keeping six clean sheets in the process
Hull's only previous Premier League goal at Stamford Bridge was in August
2009, Stephen Hunt giving the Tigers the lead before eventually losing 1-2
Hull's last league win against Chelsea came in the old second division,
winning 3-0 at Boothferry Park in October 1988
Diego Costa has scored in all three of his previous Premier League
appearances against Hull, assisting twice.
Hull have conceded 10 penalties this season - only one side in Premier
League history has conceded more in a campaign (Blackburn in 2006/07, 11)
The Tigers have kept just one clean sheet this season in the Premier League,
back in August against Swansea
Merson's prediction
On paper it's an easy game for Chelsea. Like Liverpool and Arsenal I expect
a comfortable afternoon for the Blues and that's why it puts so much
pressure on Man City's clash with Tottenham.
City have to win because I expect Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea to get all
three points. If City don't win and all the teams around them do, they'll be
cut adrift. Whatever happens, it'll be three points at Stamford Bridge for
Antonio Conte's side.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
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