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After a bit of fun, European diversions, Chelsea look to get back on the winning trail in the Premier League as well.
We were moseying along said trail quite flamboyantly until last weekend, when a black and white-striped creature jumped out at us from the shadows. Later, people would claim that it was just a magpie, but it sure looked more like a dragon to me. In any case, we tripped, fell, landed in a den of spiders. It was all very uncomfortable, especially but our very own SPIDERBEAST missing through suspension.
But now Nemanja Matić is back and ready to once again cradle us in his protective midfield webbing. Sorry, Tigers. None shall pass.
Date / Time: Saturday, December 13, 2014, 15:00 GMT; 10am EST; 8:30pm IST
Venue: Stamford Bridge, SW6
Referee: Chris Foy - hey, look, it's everyone's favorite referee! Last time we saw him, he sent off two players and Mourinho as we contrived to lose 1-0 to Villa. And of course there's that infamous match away to QPR as well. In between we managed to win a couple, but our recent record with Foy remains atrocious: 2-3-3 since the start of 2011/12 season. But this is the year we laugh winter in the face, so there's no need to worry, right?
Forecast: Sunny, but freezing.
On TV: none (UK); NBCSN, mun2 (USA); Star Sports HD 1 (India); elsewhere
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra, Deportes Telemundo En Vivo Extra (USA); Star Sports (India)
Chelsea Team News: Cesc Fàbregas is suspended for yellow card accumulation. Nathan Aké has been spotted in training, but was nowhere near the squad midweek, so his status remains unclear. Thibaut Courtois is a fresh concern, having picked up a groin injury in training on Friday. It's a good thing we've got Čech!
After another excellent showing, Mikel might just be in line to make his third start in a row for Cesc. The rest of the team will probably be business as usual.
Hull City Team News: No suspensions for the Tigers, but leading scorer Mohamed Diamé is out with a knee injury for another week or so. Fellow knee injury victim Robert Snodgrass is out long term.
Hull City started the season with a win and Europa League dreams. Since then, they fell in the EL qualifying playoffs to Belgian side Lokeren, fell in the League Cup to WBA, and have won just once in 14 games in the Premier League. Somehow, they're not bottom of the league -- they're a bit like Sunderland in that respect, having drawn almost half (7) of their games.
No doubt they will set out in the NOT IN THE FACE formation and hope for the best, especially with Cesc sidelined. It'll be up to us to break them down.
Previously: Hull have never beaten Chelsea at the Bridge (15 wins, 5 draws for the Blues in those 20 meetings). Last time they were here was for the start of Mourinho's second reign, an easy 2-0 win for the Blues.