Chelsea (£27 million) may have spent less than Cardiff City(£28 million) in this transfer window, but the squad is looking incredibly strong and fresh ahead of the match against Hull City. Along with Manchester City, Chelsea probably have the strongest squad in the Premier League.
Mourinho, though, reckons that it will be a tough start to his second spell at the club. He has recalled that newly promoted teams always have confidence and enthusiasm, which is absent from relegation threatened teams near the end of a season.
“We start with zero points, we go match by match, we have a good squad: some with talent who aren’t end products; some kids who haven’t played a Premier League match yet. But I want to think ‘yes'[we can win the title].” – Mourinho
Hull City may have been promoted only through the play-offs, but they now boast an incredibly strong team courtesy of new signings. Players with Premier league experience like Tom Huddlestone, Maynor Figeuroa, Danny Graham, and Curtis Davies have arrived from Tottenham, Wigan, Sunderland, and Birmingham City respectively.
Chelsea have been employing the 4-2-3-1 formation during pre-season and one can expect it to continue against Hull City as well. A good start is essential for Mourinho’s men, although the 50-year-old has been suggestions that it is not always necessary for winning the title.
“Chelsea couldn’t be a bigger test, but there’s the challenge. It’ll be a tall order, but let’s get ready for the challenge of it, enjoy it, enjoy everything about it and see if we can make a fist of it.” – Bruce.
Steve Bruce has adopted a unique 3-5-2 formation at Hull. The presence of players like Ahmed Elmohamady and Figeuroa allows them to easily switch from three at the back to four when needed. For most of the time, Hull are likely to put 10 men behind the ball to get something out of the match. This is where the likes of Eden Hazard come to their best with excellent dribbling and skills.
The midweek internationals will certainly have affected Mourinho’s selection for this match. The likes of Azpilicueta are back from a gruelling trip to Ecuador.
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