Chelsea Host Unbeaten Hull City at Stamford Bridge in Early Premier League Test

Chelsea face newly promoted Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, September 12, in a 2026/27 Premier League fixture that kicks off at 15:00 BST (10am EDT). Despite their newcomer status, Hull arrive with seven points from their opening three matches and three clean sheets, making them one of the early season’s surprise packages.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has shuffled his side slightly. Maxence Lacroix, who had started every match so far, drops to the bench, while Malo Gusto is listed at left wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 setup. Robert Sánchez’s absence from the published eleven leaves the goalkeeper spot to Martínez, with Cole Palmer and Rogers operating behind João Pedro in attack. Club captain Reece James anchors midfield alongside Lavia.

Confirmed Lineups

Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Martínez; Hato, Colwill, Fofana; Gusto, Lavia, James (c), Neto; Rogers, Palmer; João Pedro.
Substitutes: Penders, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarría, Barco, Quenda, Gittens, Estêvão, Welbeck.

Hull City: Tzolakis; Coyle (c), Ajayi, Egan, Mendy, Giles, Crooks, Slater, Belloumi, McBurnie, Stroud.
Substitutes: Phillips, Thomas, Norton-Cuffy, Herrington, Targett, Gourna, Iroegbunam, Vaz, Cho.

Broadcast Details

The match will not air on traditional television in the UK, where streaming-only coverage applies. In the United States, Comcast‘s NBC Universal platforms carry the fixture — broadcast on USA Network and Universo, with streaming via NBC Sports Live and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo. Comcast shares traded up 0.6% to $25.20 in recent sessions, with the media conglomerate holding a market capitalization near $92.5 billion. In India, streaming is available on JioHotstar; Nigerian viewers can watch on Canal+ Sport 5 or DStv Now.

Farai Hallam referees the match, with Michael Oliver assigned to VAR duty.

Hull’s defensive record will be tested by a Chelsea attack that has started the campaign in free-scoring form, giving the Stamford Bridge crowd an early-season matchup between one of the league’s in-form sides and a promoted team defying expectations.

Source: original release

What to watch

• Whether Hull can extend their clean-sheet run against Chelsea’s front line.
• How Gusto fares in the left wing-back role and whether Lacroix returns to the XI next match.
• Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture and lineup decisions as the 2026/27 season develops.