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Chelsea Faces Hull City in FA Cup Clash

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 15:23 GMT by Daily Mail
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

MKM Stadium, Hull - February 13th, 2026 - Chelsea travels north today to face Hull City in a compelling fourth-round FA Cup tie. While the gulf in league standings might suggest a straightforward victory for the Blues, the FA Cup is notorious for its unpredictable nature, and Hull City will be eager to replicate the spirit of cup upsets past. This match offers more than just a pathway to the next round; it's a barometer for Chelsea's progress under their current management and a chance for Hull City to showcase their ambition on a national stage.

The stakes are significant for both sides. Chelsea, currently navigating a somewhat inconsistent Premier League campaign (reflected in their recent LWWLD form), views the FA Cup as a realistic opportunity to secure silverware this season. A win today would not only boost morale but also provide a crucial foundation for a potential cup run. The pressure is on Chelsea to deliver, particularly given their historical success in this competition. They'll be aiming to avoid becoming another Premier League scalp claimed by lower-league opposition.

Hull City, meanwhile, approaches the match with the freedom of underdogs. Their recent League One form (LWDWL) indicates a team capable of flashes of brilliance but struggling for consistency. The FA Cup offers them a welcome distraction from league duties and a chance to test themselves against top-tier talent. A victory over Chelsea would be monumental, providing a significant financial boost through prize money and, more importantly, a massive surge in local pride.

Team Dynamics and Key Players:

The confirmed Hull City starting eleven - Allsop, Christie, McLoughlin, Jones, Ake, Greaves, Marquiss, Field, Slater, Docherty, and Grigg - represents a blend of experience and youthful energy. Grigg, a seasoned forward, will be crucial in leading the line and exploiting any defensive vulnerabilities Chelsea might present. The midfield battle, particularly between Hull's Marquiss and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, will be a key area to watch.

Chelsea's lineup, featuring Petrovic in goal, a back three of Disasi, Silva, and Colwill, and an attacking quartet of Palmer, Gallagher, Mudryk, and Sterling, boasts considerable quality. However, their recent inconsistencies suggest that potential is not always translating into results. Sterling's form will be pivotal; if he can find his rhythm, he could prove a constant threat to the Hull City defense. The experience of Thiago Silva at the back will be vital in containing any potential Hull City attacks.

Historical Context and Head-to-Head Record:

The historical head-to-head record heavily favors Chelsea, with 13 wins in 21 encounters. Hull City has managed only 5 victories, with 3 draws. However, past results are rarely indicative of future outcomes, especially in a one-off cup tie. Hull City will draw inspiration from past FA Cup upsets and aim to disrupt Chelsea's established dominance.

Betting Odds Reflect Expectations:

The betting odds strongly favor Chelsea (1/4), reflecting their perceived superiority. A Hull City victory is priced at 9/2, indicating a significant upset would be required. A draw is available at 16/1. These odds demonstrate the bookmakers' expectation of a Chelsea win, but they also highlight the potential for a lucrative return for those who believe in a Hull City upset.

Beyond the Scoreline: The Bigger Picture:

This fixture is not merely about reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals. For Chelsea, it's a chance to build momentum and address the inconsistencies that have plagued their season. A convincing win could instill confidence and provide a platform for a strong finish to the Premier League campaign. For Hull City, it's about proving they can compete with the best and potentially launching a memorable cup run. The atmosphere at the MKM Stadium is expected to be electric, with the home fans fully behind their team. The match promises to be a captivating encounter, blending the ambition of a Premier League giant with the unwavering spirit of a League One underdog. The key for Hull will be defensive solidity and capitalizing on any Chelsea errors, while Chelsea will need to convert their possession into goals and avoid complacency.