Sutton's predictions: Chelsea v Hull Citypublished at 08:43 BST 12 September
08:43 BST 12 September
I have happy memories of this fixture because one of my three goals for Chelsea came against Hull City in the FA Cup.
Hull haven't conceded yet and they are the team I have been most wrong about so far this season.
With every passing week, they are putting more egg on my face but it can't keep happening, can it?
It probably can, but I am still going for Chelsea to win this. The Tigers have defended brilliantly so far, but they are not going to keep out Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.
Hull will defend ferociously but, as Chelsea showed in the Carabao Cup against Leeds on Wednesday, they have enough quality to play through teams who sit in; and, if they score first, then Hull will have to open up - that's my theory anyway.
The only thing I was unsure about was whether Hull would score too. Chelsea still seem to be a bit chaotic with the way they defend, and they have leaked a few goals, but I have given them a clean sheet. They need one.
Chelsea v Hull City: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:34 BST 11 September
19:34 BST 11 September
Noel Sliney BBC Sport senior journalist
Chelsea have hosted Hull City 18 times in the league without ever losing, a club record for both sides.
However, the unbeaten visitors currently sit one place above Chelsea, who could go five home league games without a win against newly promoted opposition for the first time since 1948.
Potent but porous
With 26 goals in their five matches, Chelsea have been anything but dull – not that manager Xabi Alonso would mind that. "We want to have better balance, to be more solid, to be able to win in a boring game as well," he reflected after his side came from 2-0 down in midweek to beat Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup third round.
That result was indicative of Chelsea's breathless start to the season, including needing three and four goals respectively to beat Fulham and Brighton. The glut of goals scored – 16 so far by Chelsea players – has masked defensive deficiencies.
Chelsea are conceding an average of two goals per game this season, with only Ipswich facing more shots on target in the Premier League than Chelsea's 21.
The lack of clean sheets is a longer-term issue; the Blues have gone 19 league matches without one, the joint-third longest run in the club's history.
Hull yet to be breached
Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic joked on Thursday that the only way to stop Chelsea's free-flowing forwards is "to kick them".
This fixture certainly promises to be the sternest test yet for a promoted side who could become the first to start a Premier League season with four consecutive clean sheets.
The Tigers have only faced nine shots on target – the fifth fewest in the division – and are one of just two teams, along with Leeds, yet to make an error leading to a shot on target against them.
While a much-changed side were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Sunderland in midweek, Hull's defensive resolve has given them the platform to earn seven points from their opening three league matches.
Only three clubs in Premier League history have been relegated after making a similar start (latterly Leeds in 2022-23) – and the five other promoted sides to reach seven points at such an early stage all stayed up.
Alonso on Caicedo fitness, ownership and Netopublished at 14:44 BST 11 September
14:44 BST 11 September
Josh Lobley BBC Sport journalist
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Hull at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 15:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Moises Caicedo is not available for this weekend's match: "Let's see for Brentford, but it's not the moment to take the risk with him. Not yet."
Fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson is in the same position, with the 36-year-old not ready to be involved this weekend but Alonso "hopes" he can be for the next game.
The Blue boss was asked about a potential change in ownership structure at Stamford Bridge: "I'm not the guy to give you information about those things. I'm very happy with how we have started and how we are working together, aligned and this is all I can say at the moment."
Pedro Neto signed a new contract at Chelsea on Friday and Alonso spoke about his adaptation to a wing-back in his system: "For me, he is a winger. You can call him a winger or wing-back because he has many qualities. He can play on the last line and defend on the first line. He has this capacity to do many things. He is good in one-on-ones, he is scoring goals and has a fantastic work rate. He connects very well with players around him."
On the off-pitch relationship between Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers: "I would say [it helps] a lot. Even before they were playing together they were so connected. We were following this connection for a few weeks before the transfer happened and Cole was very influential. He played an important role, Morgan as well. We are happy that this happened now."
He was asked if he ever had influence on a signing like Palmer did: "Probably, but not as much as Cole!"
Neto signs new Chelsea dealpublished at 14:34 BST 11 September
14:34 BST 11 September
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has signed a contract extension on improved terms until 2032.
The 26-year-old Portugal international has featured regularly under new manager Xabi Alonso, operating as a wing-back in the Spaniard's much-changed tactical system at Stamford Bridge.
Neto described signing a new deal as an "unbelievable moment" and added: "I feel at home here. I feel like I want to achieve more things here."
"I'm really excited because I think we can achieve a lot of things together."
It is the second contract renewal at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks after striker Joao Pedro signed improved terms last month.
Chelsea are conducting a review of first-team contracts and are looking to reward players they believe have earned improved terms.
Neto, meanwhile, was linked with a move away during the summer but remained with the Blues despite ongoing speculation, including reported interest from Manchester City.
Speaking about Neto's new role before Saturday's match against Hull City, Alonso said: "For me, he is a winger. You can call him a winger or a wing-back because he has many qualities.
"He can play on the last line and he can defend on the first line, so he has the capacity to do many things. He is good in one-on-one situations, he is scoring goals and he has a fantastic work rate.
"He connects very well with the players around him. I knew him well from watching many of Chelsea's games.
"With him, you know that he is going to compete and you want those kinds of players in your team. I am very happy with Pedro and the work he is doing."
Concerns and refinement but Chelsea are much-improvedpublished at 11:52 BST 11 September
11:52 BST 11 September
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Xabi Alonso left his last news conference in a subdued mood and wanting to conduct a "deeper analysis".
That was despite Chelsea producing an impressive comeback to beat Leeds United 6-3 at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
It came after Alonso made four changes at half-time, introducing Cole Palmer, who scored twice, and Morgan Rogers, who provided four assists.
There are now questions over whether the Blues' fringe players are close to the level of the club's established stars after a poor first-half display.
However, the broader picture remains positive at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea scoring 16 goals and conceding 10 in the opening five matches of Alonso's tenure.
It is clear the Spaniard is still implementing his system and Chelsea have at times lacked control in possession. Most importantly, though, he has won four of his first five matches in charge.
Chelsea appear to be an improvement on last season's side, although there is still significant room for refinement.
Come back to this page later on Friday for all the key lines from Alonso.
Gossip: Chelsea interested in Zubimendipublished at 06:50 BST 11 September
06:50 BST 11 September
Martin Zubimendi may push to leave Arsenal in January after losing his place in the XI, with Chelsea and Real Madrid interested in the 27-year-old Spain midfielder. (Teamtalk, external)
Real Madrid have offered 21-year-old Turkey midfielder Arda Guler, who counts Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso among his admirers, a six-year contract. (Fabrizio Romano, via Teamtalk, external)
Did Chelsea's breaches really impact the 2016-17 title?published at 17:19 BST 10 September
17:19 BST 10 September
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Mauricio Pochettino believes Chelsea should be stripped of the Premier League title for 2016-17, when his Tottenham team finished runners-up.
This is about Chelsea making £47m in secret payments, according to a Premier League investigation, to unregistered agents and third parties to seal transfers between 2011 and 2018.
The transfers included Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto'o, Willian, Ramires, David Luiz, Andre Schurrle and Nemanja Matic.
Four of those - Hazard, Willian, Luiz and Matic - were at the club in 2016-17.
During that period Chelsea won two Premier League titles (2014-15 and 2016-17), two FA Cups (2011-12 and 2017-18), the EFL Cup (2014-15) and the Europa League (2018–19).
"If they admitted they broke the rules, the Premier League title was for the second-best team," Pochettino said.
Tottenham were relentless at the end of the 2016-17 season, winning 12 of their final 13 matches to finish on 86 points.
Yet Antonio Conte's Chelsea were almost as relentless, winning 11 of their last 13 to take the title with 93 points.
Spurs' tally would have been enough for the title in 2015-16, when Leicester finished on 81.
However, since 1999-2000, when Manchester United were champions on 79 points, 86 points would only have won the title twice, including the two most recent seasons.
Tottenham's problem in 2016-17 was too many draws at the start of the campaign. Despite an unbeaten 11-game start, only five of those were victories.
Chelsea lost more matches - five to Spurs' four - but secured 30 wins to Tottenham's 26.
Pochettino might argue that the attacking influence from Willian and Hazard proved the difference, with those two players having attacking contributions in eight different matches which led to points.
Then there is the mere aspect of sporting advantage - how the signings of players like Hazard enabled Chelsea to win trophies, qualify for the Champions League and therefore attract more top talent.
Premier League releases festive football schedulepublished at 16:14 BST 10 September
16:14 BST 10 September
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League has announced it will stage seven matches on Boxing Day this year after releasing its festive schedule.
Four fixtures will be staged at 15:00 GMT, with further matches played at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00.
The fixture programme for 26 December, which falls on a Saturday in 2026, is considerably bigger than last year, when one game was held.
Three matches will be played on Sunday, 27 December, while three further rounds of games will be held over a period up to Thursday, 7 January.
A round of evening midweek fixtures will staged on 29-30 December, while Leeds will host Everton (20:00) for the only match on New Year's Day.
The remainder of that round will be held over the weekend of 2-3 January, with the fourth round of games spread across the evenings of 5-7 January.
The Premier League has brought forward the announcement of fixture scheduling over the Christmas and New Year period after consultation with both broadcast partners and the Football Supporters' Association and representatives from club Fan Advisory Boards.
Television scheduling for Premier League fixtures has been announced up to Monday, 2 November, with broadcast selections for the remaining games in November and December to be announced in the weeks commencing 21 September and 19 October respectively.
The Premier League has guaranteed clubs at least a 60-hour break between fixtures over the festive period to address the concerns over a congested festive schedule that follows recent expansions of the European and international calendars.
'A good watch' but are there 'structural failures' at Chelsea? published at 13:23 BST 10 September
13:23 BST 10 September
Image source, Getty Images
Xabi Alonso's Chelsea have quickly established themselves as entertainers, with Wednesday's chaotic 6-3 comeback win over Leeds in the Carabao Cup the latest, and most extreme, example.
The Blues have scored 16 goals in five games in all competitions, with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro, the latter not involved on Wednesday, all combining to great effect.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said: "They're going to be a good watch this season, especially with the way Alonso is setting them up to be.
"Every game I've seen Chelsea in this season I've thought has been a good game and obviously tonight was an absolute barnstormer.
"That front three - if he can keep them fit and firing throughout the whole season then they're going to be a handful for anybody."
However, the entertaining attacking football exhibited by the Blues is not the only narrative surrounding the early days of Alonso's reign. His side have also conceded 10 goals in their five matches - and were booed off at half-time on Wednesday when 1-0 down.
"They need to try and get a couple of clean sheets," said former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam.
"As a coach, I don't think Xabi will be too happy with that and the 10 goals conceded so far this season. They are far too open and there are structural problems and failures within that.
"There are still things to work on. As a coach you don't want to be conceding two or three every game because ultimately it's not every game you can score four or five to come back.
"It's something they'll have to work on. Maybe it's why they brought in Jordan Henderson - to give them a bit of experience in the middle of the pitch when he gets fit.
"It's great for the neutral, lots of goals, but it's something Alonso will want to work on and he will want clean sheets."
'Chelsea's scintillating attack is masking issues' - fan viewspublished at 11:16 BST 10 September
11:16 BST 10 September
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Chelsea's 6-3 win over Leeds United in the Carabao Cup.
Here are some of your comments:
Nick: Xabi Alonso was rescued by that brilliant second-half performance. He was asking for trouble playing three at the back, with no experienced defensive midfield cover, against a physical and intense Leeds side. The focus on Chelsea's scintillating attack is masking issues over how the defence is organised. Without two central midfielders to drop back and help, a back three can't cover the width of the pitch and will keep giving away opportunities.
Stuart: The first half was awful and highlighted that Jamie Gittens and Malo Gusto, in particular, are not up to scratch. The second half was brilliant going forward but still a bit open defensively. It was so much more exciting than anything we did last season.
Peter: We need to introduce the fringe players two at a time and keep the defensive core the same regardless of the competition. Mike Penders should be the club's No. 1. However, what a great attacking display in both halves. Shame we didn't do that against Arsenal.
Paul: Conceding goals is still a worry, but if we're scoring four and six in games, then I'll take it! A huge step up from watching the sideways and backwards passing we had under Enzo Maresca. So much better to watch. Thank you, Xabi.
Easy to forget Alonso's side were booed off at half-timepublished at 08:20 BST 10 September
08:20 BST 10 September
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Xabi Alonso watched his Chelsea team hit six second-half goals against Leeds United, but felt the need to "take responsibility" for the shaky start that came before the thrilling flurry.
Amid jubilation that followed the final whistle at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea recovered from 2-0 down to progress as 6-3 winners in the Carabao Cup, it was easy to forget that Alonso's side were booed off at half-time.
Supporters witnessed arguably the worst first half of Alonso's short tenure to date, with Chelsea fortunate not to be further in arrears after the head coach made nine changes to his line-up.
The team's rhythm was disrupted. Leeds made eight changes themselves, but Daniel Farke's side took control and were threatening to surge into the fourth round.
Alonso responded to Chelsea's out-of-sorts start by making four substitutions at half-time - on came Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto and Reece James, and together they changed the game.
However, speaking after the match, Alonso said he had made it "hard" for his players in the first place.
"I need to take blame and responsibility," he said. "I need to be able to help them better so they are not responsible."
For the Premier League's biggest clubs, this competition is usually an opportunity to blood youngsters and give fringe players valuable minutes.
However, only 35-year-old Danny Welbeck, who scored twice, emerged from the starters with a compelling case for more regular involvement.
Young attackers Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens suffered the disappointment of being substituted at half-time, while £40m signing Geovany Quenda did not add to his solitary substitute appearance as he watched from the bench.
Midfielder Reggie Watson, making his debut at 16 years old, was also withdrawn at the break after being booked.
Alonso later said he would not take a "cynical" view about the difference in level between his proven stars and back-up options.
Nevertheless, reaching the fourth round is important for Chelsea. It is not only about preserving their hopes of silverware in a season without European football, but also about needing as many competitive fixtures as possible.
Gossip: Chelsea could go back for midfielder Kone in the summerpublished at 07:01 BST 10 September
07:01 BST 10 September
After failing to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone in the summer, Chelsea could go back for the 25-year-old France international in January, offering a deal that could involve winger Jamie Gittens heading in the opposite direction. (Simon Phillips, via CaughtOffside, external)
Chelsea 6-3 Leeds: What Alonso and Palmer saidpublished at 23:08 BST 9 September
23:08 BST 9 September
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, speaking to Sky Sports: "Happy with the result and the reaction."
On team selection: "Yeah, there was so many changes. There was a risk. Things weren't going the way we planned, so we had to change. I take responsibility with the first half. The crowd were great, with the atmosphere [pushing the players on]."
On the impact of substitutes: "I like that they were ready before the game. They knew they weren't starting, and they were ready to make an impact.
"When you put together a team that hardly plays together, it is difficult to play at this level when [Leeds United] are intense."
On Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer's chemistry: "For sure, it's so important. To have a great chemistry between them. They enjoy assisting together. It's important for the team."
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, speaking to Sky Sports on what manager Xabi Alonso said at half-time: "Up the intensity. Thought the first half was flat, so we upped the tempo."
On playing in this Chelsea team: "I'm enjoying it. All the attacking players, it's a lot different for us. I think we still have a bit to go, but we are getting results, which is the main thing."
Paez is not in my plans - Alonsopublished at 15:03 BST 9 September
15:03 BST 9 September
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Xabi Alonso has confirmed midfielder Kendry Paez will not be part of Chelsea's first-team squad after failing to secure a move before last week's transfer deadline.
The 19-year-old Ecuador international is expected to join Cobham Next Gen - Chelsea's Under-21 side - after failing to find a loan move in the Premier League or Championship.
Chelsea had wanted to send Paez on a domestic loan after Argentine club River Plate removed him from their first-team squad and forced them into recalling him.
However, Chelsea used the last of their overseas loan allocations on goalkeeper Robert Sanchez's move to Como 1907 and midfielder Dario Essugo's switch to Strasbourg on deadline day.
Asked whether Paez would now be reintegrated into the senior squad, Alonso said: "At the moment, he's not part of the first-team squad."
When asked if that could change later in the season, he replied: "No, no, he's not part of the plans."
The decision follows a mixed loan spell at Strasbourg, the French club owned by Chelsea's parent company, where Paez won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month award but also faced criticism from former manager Liam Rosenior and sections of the French media.
There have also been questions over his conduct off the pitch. In March 2024, Paez was filmed in a strip club in New York while on international duty with Ecuador at the age of 16.
Paez was part of Ecuador's squad at the 2026 World Cup and made one substitute appearance.
The youngster joined Chelsea from Independiente del Valle in 2023 in a deal worth up to £17.3m, but has yet to make a first-team appearance for the club.
How can 'untouchable' Estevao get more game time under Alonso?published at 12:14 BST 9 September
12:14 BST 9 September
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
A late flourish from Estevao Willian almost snatched Chelsea a draw at Arsenal on Sunday.
His curling strike was saved by goalkeeper David Raya to preserve Arsenal's lead, but it served as a reminder of the important role the 19-year-old Brazil winger could play in Xabi Alonso's side.
His game time has been limited so far this season by the club record £117m signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa as well as the form of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
Reports in Brazil have suggested Estevao is unhappy with his lack of opportunities.
However, those claims have been denied by sources at Stamford Bridge and by people close to the player, some of whom have also expressed excitement about Chelsea's summer recruitment - including the arrival of Rogers.
Chelsea regard Estevao as one of a small group of untouchable players that includes Palmer, Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo.
But where does Estevao fit at Chelsea?
Estevao came on for Pedro Neto, who has been operating as a wing-back in Alonso's new system, as Chelsea chased an equaliser on Sunday.
It is difficult to imagine any other in-game circumstance in which Estevao would be asked to perform the same role, given the defensive and physical demands placed on players in that position.
Instead, Palmer occupies Estevao's preferred inside-right number 10 role.
Estevao and Palmer have shown encouraging signs when used together when Alonso has played a back four - but he has deployed that shape only against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.
Displacing Palmer for league games could prove difficult as Alonso regards him as both a dressing-room leader and one of his key attacking threats.
Alonso has also fielded close to his strongest side even in the Carabao Cup, with Chelsea not involved in European competition and with the new head coach eager to establish his tactical principles as quickly as possible following his arrival.
Estevao is not alone in struggling for meaningful minutes early in the season and, should Leeds United win at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, the Blues will have no further cup fixtures until the FA Cup in January.
That quietly makes Wednesday's game an important one in terms of keeping a 27-man squad satisfied.
