Hull vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips (13 February)

Hull City approach this FA Cup meeting with Chelsea carrying a mixture of optimism and realism, shaped by their recent form and the broader narrative surrounding their season. Over the past two months, the Tigers have shown resilience in the Championship, highlighted by results such as a 0‑0 draw with Watford on 3 February 2026, a 1‑0 away win at Blackburn on 31 January, and a 2‑1 home victory over Swansea on 24 January. Their FA Cup third‑round performance, a 0‑0 draw with Blackburn on 11 January, demonstrated defensive discipline but also underlined their need for sharper attacking edges. The club’s recent news has focused on their home draw against Chelsea in the fourth round, confirmed on 12 January 2026, and the excitement surrounding another chance to test themselves against Premier League opposition.

Chelsea, meanwhile, enter this tie with a demanding but encouraging run of fixtures behind them, reflecting both their quality and the intensity of their schedule. In the past few weeks, they have edged West Ham 3‑2 at home on 31 January 2026, beaten Crystal Palace 3‑1 away on 25 January, and secured a 2‑0 home win over Brentford on 17 January. Their European commitments have also been notable, including a 3‑2 win at Napoli on 28 January and a 1‑0 victory over Pafos on 21 January. Off the pitch, Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth‑round date with Hull was confirmed on 16 January 2026, adding to a month filled with knockout‑competition anticipation. Their recent 0‑1 loss to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi‑final on 3 February also adds a layer of urgency to their pursuit of silverware.

Historically, this fixture has leaned heavily in Chelsea’s favour, with Hull City having never beaten them in the FA Cup across eleven meetings. Their most recent encounter in the competition came in January 2020, when Chelsea earned a 2‑1 win at the MKM Stadium. The current Hull squad, however, has shown improved cohesion under pressure, and their home form in recent weeks suggests they will not be passive participants. Chelsea’s deeper squad, higher tempo, and recent attacking output make them favourites, but the FA Cup has a long tradition of unsettling expectations. Both sides arrive with contrasting pressures: Hull seeking a statement performance, Chelsea aiming to avoid unnecessary complications in a season already filled with demanding fixtures.

With all factors considered—recent form, squad depth, historical trends, and the competitive rhythm of both teams—this matchup appears set to be tighter than many might assume. Hull’s defensive structure and home advantage could frustrate Chelsea for long spells, while Chelsea’s superior individual quality should still carve out decisive moments. Balancing these elements leads to a cautious but reasoned prediction. The correct score prediction is 1 : 1.