Chelsea-Hull City: Match Implications Much Bigger Than Initially Expected

When the 2008-09 fixture list was released, Oct. 29's match between perennial powerhouse Chelsea and newcomers Hull City wasn't expected to be much of a contest.

After all, Chelsea has been re-established as a European power since the turn of the century, culminating in last season's appearance in the UEFA Champions League final. West London's Blues haven't finished worse than fourth in the Premier League since 2001-02 season, and have been a major presence in English and European tournaments in that same time frame.

Upon comparison, Hull City seems to be a diminutive side. The Tigers have spent all but one season in their 104-year history playing outside of the top tier of English football and have never advanced significantly in any major international tournament.

The boys from Kingston-upon-Hull have made every bit of their first two and a half months in the Premiership count, though. Heading into Wednesday's match at Kingston Communications Stadium, Hull City has secured 20 points, good enough for a second-place tie in the Premier League table...with Chelsea.

While the Hull City faithful surely don't plan on being generous hosts to their opponents Wednesday, the visiting side won't be in any bit of a mood to bring anything short of their A-game.

Chelsea had its outstanding home mark broken Sunday in a 0-1 loss to Premier League leaders Liverpool. Prior to the loss, no Premier League team had left Stamford Bridge with a victory since February 2004—a streak of 86 consecutive unbeaten matches for Chelsea.

It was also the first loss Chelsea had suffered since May's Champions League final defeat by Manchester United.

Hull City will continue to lean on midfielder Deiberson Geovanni and striker Marlon King. Geovanni leads the side with four Premier League goals while King, on loan from Wigan, has three goals in 2008-09.

Despite rampant injuries, Chelsea is still one of the most dangerous offensive sides in all of Europe. The three-headed scoring monster that is Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka, and Salomon Kalou has tallied 15 goals thus far in 2008-09.

That scoring is infinitely important, as midfielder Michael Essien will miss the majority of the 2008-09 campaign due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered Sept. 5.

Also stricken with the injury bug has been striker Didier Drogba, who is suffering the ill effects of a leg injury suffered in a 0-0 Champions League draw wity CFR Cluj.

Home goal differential has been a weakness for Hull City and must improve for Hull to beat Chelsea. Goalkeeper Boaz Myhill has allowed eight home goals while his teammates have scored only five.

In the opposing net will be Chelsea's Petr Cech, who has allowed only four goals this season.

The odds seem to favor Chelsea but Hull City has ignored odds such as these all season.