The FA Cup fourth round kicks off with a poignant encounter at the MKM Stadium on Friday night as Chelsea travel to face Championship high-flyers Hull City.
The tie is headlined by the return of Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior to his former stomping ground, where he spent five years as a player and nearly two years as manager. While the Blues look to bounce back from a frustrating 2–2 midweek draw against Leeds United, the Tigers are aiming to cause a major upset and reach the fifth round for the first time since 2018. Rosenior has insisted he will treat the trip to East Yorkshire with the same intensity as a Champions League fixture, promising to field a strong side despite the emotional weight of his homecoming.
Hull City vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news
- Date: Friday, 13 February 2026
- Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
- Venue: MKM Stadium, Hull
- Referee: Farai Hallam
- VAR: Not in operation
- Last Meeting: Hull City 1–2 Chelsea (25 Jan 2020), FA Cup
Team News
Hull City
The Tigers are without Semi Ajayi, who has not featured since AFCON 2025 due to a hamstring injury. Mohamed Belloumi, Cody Drameh, and Matt Crooks are also sidelined with various muscular issues. Hull will rely heavily on the attacking threat of Oli McBurnie and Joe Gelhardt, who have combined for 22 Championship goals this season.
Chelsea
Marc Cucurella is ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury against Leeds, joining Levi Colwill and Jamie Gittens on the treatment table. Captain Reece James is being assessed following a recent illness, but has returned to modified training. Rosenior has confirmed that Mamadou Sarr has a “great chance to start” after being recalled from his loan at Strasbourg. Wesley Fofana may also feature as he continues his managed return.
Form
Hull City
The Tigers have turned the MKM Stadium into a difficult venue for visitors this season. Notably, Hull are currently fourth in the Championship and were on a six-game unbeaten run until a defeat to Bristol City last weekend. Historically, however, they have struggled in this fixture, winning just one of their last 35 matches against Chelsea—a victory dating back to 1988.
Chelsea
The Blues arrive in East Yorkshire with a formidable record against lower-division opposition. Notably, Chelsea have progressed from 62 of their last 64 FA Cup ties against lower-division opponents. Under Liam Rosenior, the team has won seven of its last 10 matches, though it is navigating a tight turnaround following its Tuesday league fixture. The last lower-division side to eliminate Chelsea from this competition was Bradford City in 2015.
Predicted Lineups
Hull City Predicted XI: Pandur; McNair, Egan, Hughes; Coyle, Slater, Lundstram, Giles; Gelhardt; Joseph, McBurnie
Chelsea Predicted XI: Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Badiashile, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Estevao, Garnacho; Delap
How to Watch Hull City vs Chelsea?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on BBC One and TNT Sports 3. Coverage starts at 19:30 on BBC One and 19:00 on TNT Sports 3.
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