Chelsea v Hull City preview

06 February 2009 10:26
Chelsea will be looking to get their title bid back on track as they entertain a Hull City side without a Premier League win in two months.[LNB] The Blues slipped five points behind leaders Manchester United last weekend as they suffered their fourth defeat of the season with a 2-0 loss to Liverpool.[LNB]Luiz Felipe Scolari's men have been written off in some quarters following the result at Anfield but there are still 14 games of the season remaining.[LNB]Chelsea have also been boosted by the news that Frank Lampard will be available to face the Tigers after the red card he received against Liverpool was rescinded by the Football Association.[LNB]The midfielder was sent off early in the second half with the score at 0-0 but the FA agreed that his challenge on Xabi Alonso did not warrant a dismissal.[LNB]Chelsea's lacklustre performance may have prompted Scolari to venture into the transfer market on deadline day to snap up Ricardo Quaresma on loan from Inter Milan.[LNB]The Portugal international has not been a regular starter under Jose Mourinho this season but he may be given an early opportunity at Stamford Bridge to show that he can provide much-needed width and flair to Chelsea's attacking play.[LNB]Scolari must also decide whether to persist with Nicolas Anelka up front or recall Didier Drogba to the starting line-up, while Ricardo Carvalho is still injured.[LNB]Brown optionsHull dropped into the bottom half of the table for the first time this season following their 2-2 draw at home to West Brom last Saturday.[LNB]Claiming a point against the Baggies did at least halt a run of six successive defeats but Phil Brown's men are now very much involved in the relegation battle.[LNB]Chairman Paul Duffen has also had to defend Brown over the past few days following criticism of the manager from some supporters.[LNB]The Tigers will be hoping to rediscover their inspirational form from earlier in the season when they travel to London, although striker Daniel Cousin will miss the clash with a knee problem.[LNB]Record signing Jimmy Bullard sat out last week and is still doubtful as he awaits the verdict of scan results on his knee.[LNB]Bernard Mendy, who shone in last week's 2-2 draw with West Brom, serves a one-match ban while Nick Barmby (calf) is not yet fit to return.[LNB]Anthony Gardner (thigh) has been pencilled in to face Sheffield United in the FA Cup next week while George Boateng (knee) is out long term.[LNB]Possible starting XIsChelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, A Cole, Mikel, Ballack, Lampard, Quaresma, Kalou, Anelka.[LNB]Hull City: Duke, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney, Ashbee, Bullard, Kilbane, Geovanni, Fagan.[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports