Emiliano Martinez will replace Mike Penders in the Chelsea starting lineup when they host Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea will aim to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they welcome Hull City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. Xabi Alonso has no new injury concerns to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Moises Caicedo (muscle), Marco Palestra (quad), and Emmanuel Emegha (hamstring) remain in the treatment room. Jordan Henderson is doubtful and is not expected to be available for this match, with Alonso hoping he can return next week.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Alonso confirmed Caicedo’s absence from the squad for Saturday’s match against Hull City. However, the Spanish tactician revealed that Romeo Lavia was fit and available to take on the Tigers.
When discussing Caicedo’s availability, the Chelsea manager said, “Not yet [ready to return]; let’s see for Brentford. Unluckily, not yet, and it’s not the moment to take the risk with him. We are not there yet.”
Discussing the availability of Henderson and Emegha, Alonso said, “Not tomorrow. We hope they can be [ready] against Brentford, but we will see.”
Meanwhile, during his press conference, Alonso also provided an update on Palestra. The Chelsea boss said, “The injury is something on the quad. He’s almost in the last stages of the recovery, so we will see. If not [fit for] Brentford, then Bournemouth for sure.”
“He’s quite frustrated after a very good pre-season not to be able to play and to make his debut in the Premier League. But I told Marco, “Easy, the season is long, there will be a lot of games, and you will play your role, you will have your minutes, you will enjoy your game.” He is full of energy, and you need to control that.”
Emiliano Martinez will return between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation in front of him against Hull City on Saturday. The central defensive unit will feature Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, and Josh Acheampong. Meanwhile, Jorrel Hato and Pedro Neto, celebrating his new deal, should feature as the two wing-backs.
As for the midfield unit, Reece James should pair up with Romeo Lavia in the central areas. The attacking structure is built around Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, with the duo lining up behind Joao Pedro. So, Estevao Willian and Danny Welbeck will be among the backup options on the bench for the home side.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Martinez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Lavia, James, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Pedro
