10 key stats to know ahead of Chelsea vs Hull City clash

Chelsea welcome Hull City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday with the visitors providing one of the biggest early-season surprises after an unbeaten start that has seen them down Manchester United on opening weekend.

The Tigers have taken seven points from their opening three Premier League matches without conceding, while Chelsea have scored eight goals but already shown defensive vulnerability, conceding at least two goals in each of the meetings with topflight teams across all competitions.

Hull City are also chasing a longer unbeaten run, but history is heavily against them in west London, especially in Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea have dominated this fixture for decades, as their recent meetings with Hull have produced a remarkable run of victories.

10 key stat to know ahead of Chelsea vs. Hull City

1. Chelsea’s historic unbeaten

Hull have never won at Chelsea in the Premier League. The Tigers have made several trips to Stamford Bridge in the competition without ever leaving with a victory. Chelsea’s home advantage has proved particularly difficult for the Tigers.

2. The goal for Hull City

Hull are chasing their longest unbeaten Premier League run since 2008. The Tigers are unbeaten after their opening three matches and could extend that sequence further. Their previous run of six unbeaten games between September and October 2008 ended against Chelsea.

3. Chelsea’s Hull invincibility

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 17 meetings with Hull. The Blues have won 15 and drawn two of their last 17 encounters with the Tigers, with their current winning streak standing at nine matches. Chelsea’s latest victory was the emphatic 4-0 FA Cup success in February.

4. Chelsea don’t lose when they score

Chelsea have never lost to Hull when scoring. That makes Hull’s defensive record particularly important. The visitors have yet to concede this season, but finding a way to stop Chelsea from scoring could be crucial to maintaining their unbeaten start.

5. History in Pedro Neto’s sight

Pedro Neto is one goal away from matching the fixture’s scoring record. Neto scored a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Hull in February, taking his tally in this fixture to three. Diego Costa remains the leading scorer with four.

6. More draws in Stamford Bridge

Four of the seven historical draws have come at Stamford Bridge. Although Chelsea have dominated the overall fixture, Hull have managed four of the seven draws between the sides in west London, showing that the Tigers have occasionally frustrated their hosts.

7. Chelsea’s tidy run against Hull

Chelsea have kept five clean sheets in their last six Premier League meetings with Hull. The Blues have generally controlled this fixture defensively. The two league meetings in Hull’s previous Premier League season both ended 2-0 to Chelsea.

8. Chelsea’s leaky defence

Chelsea have conceded at least twice against every top-flight opponent they have faced this season. Despite scoring freely, Chelsea’s defence has been far less convincing. Their opening three league games produced 3-2, 4-3 and 2-1 results, leaving Xabi Alonso with clear defensive concerns.

9. Hull’s defensive strength

Hull are the Premier League’s only team yet to concede. Sergej Jakirovic’s side have collected seven points from three matches, including wins over Manchester United and Coventry before holding Aston Villa to a goalless draw. That defensive record is currently unmatched in the division.

10. Chelsea’s set-piece strength

Chelsea have scored from set pieces in all four competitive games this season. The Blues have turned dead-ball situations into a major weapon, scoring four set-piece goals in the Premier League alone. Against a Hull side yet to concede, another well-worked set piece could prove decisive.