Team
news and stats ahead of Hull vs Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round on
Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm).
Team news
Hull are battling a defensive injury crisis. On-loan Everton defender
Matthew Pennington picked up a groin strain in
training on Thursday, with scans required to determine the extent of the
problem.
Full-back Callum Elder has a calf complaint and could be sidelined for
several weeks while centre-back Jordy De Wijs is also missing with a calf
injury of his own.
However, the Tigers could be boosted by the return of defender Stephen
Kingsley, who is back in training after three weeks out, and forward Kamil
Grosicki is also closing in on a comeback after injury.
Tammy Abraham will be doubtful for Chelsea after suffering an ankle injury
scare against Arsenal on Tuesday night.
The England striker hobbled off the Stamford Bridge turf at full-time in the
2-2 Premier League draw.
Christian Pulisic is still out with an adductor problem, while Reece James
will be doubtful due to the knee injury that kept him out of the Arsenal
clash.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek remains a long-term absentee after heel surgery.
Opta stats
Hull have won none of their 10 FA Cup games against Chelsea (D3 L7), losing
most recently in the fifth round in February 2018, a 4-0 defeat at Stamford
Bridge.
In all competitions, Chelsea are unbeaten in 15 games against Hull, winning
13 and drawing two since a 3-0 defeat in October 1988.
When playing outside the top-flight, Hull have been eliminated in their last
13 FA Cup ties against top-flight opponents since winning 1-0 against West
Ham United in February 1973 as a second-tier outfit.
Chelsea have progressed from 49 of their last 51 FA Cup ties against
non-Premier League sides, and haven't lost away from home since March 2008,
losing 1-0 to Barnsley.
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been directly involved in four goals
in his three FA Cup starts (2 goals, 2 assists), with all three starts
coming against Championship opponents.
top