Match Preview: Tigers looking to shake things up in the Lion’s den
Jose Mourinho’s return to the English Premier League will see Chelsea play host to newly-promoted Hull City whose owner saw fit to change the club’s name to Hull Tigers. However, it appears that change of name might not help them out in this instance as they are going to lock horns with a Chelsea side that has invested heavily in the summer transfer window.
German international, Andre Scurrle is set to make his Premier League debut against Steve Bruce’s side and it is pretty likely to see a very strong Chelsea team take on the newcomers.
Apart from an injury to Steven Quinn, Bruce has a fully fit squad to pick from. Though the task is tough, the former England international is relishing the prospect of playing a team that won the Europa League last season.
“Let’s go and enjoy it and take them on,” said Steve Bruce.
Knowing that they will not be able to take the game to Chelsea, Hull would be looking to contain and frustrate Chelsea for a long time and try to hit them on the break. Settling to life in English elites is not an easy task and although Bruce will be enjoying himself at the dugout, he would be the first to admit that going toe to toe with Chelsea would prove to be risky.
In order to offer some resistance, a lot of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of summer signing Tom Huddleston whose excellent passing ability might help his side use the ball wisely. Any sloppiness in the midfield could prove to be devastating and that is something the former Tottenham man will have to stay away from.
With so much quality and talent in the side, it is very hard to see Hull leave London with something to show for their efforts. Majority of the fans would expect an easy afternoon for the Blues who have been touted as favourites to win the league title this time around.
The two sides played a 1-1 draw back in February 2010 with contrasting aims. At that time, Hull were looking to avoid the drop while Chelsea were battling with Manchester United for the league title. And it was Hull who took the lead thanks to Steven Mouyokolo. However, Didider Drogba managed to equalise shortly as the game ended in a draw.
This time however, Hull might not be able to get their wish as the current Chelsea side has been assembled in order to breeze past their opponents just like it used to when Mourinho first joined the club.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels
Fans would be eager to see Jose Mourinho once again walk through the dugout in England. Mourinho’s second coming is bound to attract a lot of viewership and many channels are going to cover this event.
Watch Chelsea vs Hull City on Sunday, August 18, 2013:
In USA at 11:00am ET on NBC Sports Live Extra, NBC Sports Network, SiriusXM FC, Mun2
In UK at 16:00 BST on Sky Sports 1/HD, Sky Sports 3D, BBC One
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Fans in the Middle East can watch the match live on Al Jazeera Sport HD1, while those in South East Asia can catch the action live on Star Sports.
LiveSoccerTV will also stay true to you with live scores of Chelsea-Hull City right from kick off. Stay on the homepage for live updates throughout the game.
