On Friday, 13 February 2026, Chelsea travel to Hull City to contest a FA Cup fourth-round tie at the MKM Stadium — a venue steeped in both modern Championship ambition and historic cup intrigue. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 pm UK time, with live coverage provided on BBC One and TNT Sports in the UK, and numerous international broadcasters showing the game according to local rights. Chelsea also offer live text and audio commentary via their official app and website as part of full matchday coverage.
This fixture carries added narrative weight: Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s head coach, returns to the club where he spent five years as a player and later managed in the Championship. Rosenior’s connection to Hull runs deep — highlighted by his starring role in their memorable 2014 FA Cup run, where they reached the final — and his return in a Chelsea shirt adds an emotional edge to this tie.
Match Context and Background
Chelsea progressed to this stage after a commanding 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the third round, marking a strong start to their cup campaign under Rosenior. Hull, playing in the English Championship (second tier), advanced by defeating Blackburn Rovers on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation and extra time — an impressive result given the competitive nature of the division.
Chelsea’s objective is to reach the FA Cup Fifth Round for the 58th time in the club’s history. This competition remains one of English football’s most venerable and cherished tournaments, tracing back through more than a century of memorable moments.
For Hull City, this match represents a rare opportunity to progress deep into the cup. Having reached the fourth round for the first time in six years, the Tigers are eager to secure a fifth-round spot — a milestone they haven’t achieved since the 2017/18 season. Presently sitting comfortably in the Championship playoff places, Hull have combined league ambition with cup aspiration, seeking a memorable giant-killing scalp on home soil.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
In FA Cup history, Chelsea and Hull City have met 11 times over the past 111 years. Remarkably, Chelsea are undefeated against Hull in all previous FA Cup ties, winning all eight matchups to date. This unbeaten run in FA Cup meetings stands among the best perfect progression records in the competition’s history, shared only with Leicester City’s similar record against Birmingham City.
The most recent FA Cup clashes between these sides have produced memorable results. In January 2020, Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory at Hull’s then-KCOM Stadium, with goals from Michy Batshuayi and Fikayo Tomori before a late reply from the host side. In February 2018, Chelsea dismantled Hull 4-0 at Stamford Bridge on their way to eventually lifting the trophy. These results underline Chelsea’s historical dominance, albeit with Hull always posing spirited resistance.
Across all competitions, Chelsea have won 34 of 48 meetings, drawn 10, and lost only four times — the most recent Hull victory coming in October 1988 with a 3-0 win. This long-standing statistical edge makes Chelsea strong favorites heading into the 2026 clash.
Tactical Overview and Form
From a tactical perspective, the two teams present contrasting styles:
Chelsea enter the match with a blend of attacking intensity and possession control, boasting high pass accuracy and an ability to create clear scoring opportunities. In recent matches, they’ve averaged multiple shots per game and have shown strong goal contributions from key players. Despite their midfield dominance, Chelsea have exhibited some defensive vulnerabilities, conceding at least once in several away matches this season.
Hull City, meanwhile, approach the game with a compact defensive base and an emphasis on transitional play. Their Championship league form has been solid, with several recent victories under their belt. However, Hull’s FA Cup record remains inconsistent, with several draws and close results marking their ties in this competition. Their strategy often revolves around disciplined organization and quick counter-attacks rather than sustained possession dominance.
Experts and statistical previews suggest that while Hull can compete — especially at home — Chelsea’s superior technical ability and attacking depth should prove decisive. Many predictive models favor Chelsea to score multiple goals, though tight defensive moments and Cup pressure could yield an intriguing contest.
Team News and Line-Up Considerations
Chelsea may face selection challenges with a few injury concerns. Key defenders like Marc Cucurella have been highlighted as doubtful due to recent muscle issues, and others may miss out depending on fitness assessments leading up to kick-off. These absences could necessitate tactical adjustments and reliance on squad depth, offering opportunities for younger players or rotating options in attacking positions.
Conversely, Hull’s squad typically lines up in a system geared toward midfield solidity and forward thrusts. Their leading striker, Oli McBurnie, has performed well this season, and his presence upfront gives Hull their strongest goal threat. Tactical formations might lean toward a 4-2-3-1 or similar structure designed to balance defensive support with offensive pressure on counter-attacks.
Given Chelsea’s schedule and cup ambitions, rotation is plausible — balancing domestic league and cup priorities. Regardless of starting XI choices, Chelsea’s depth and Premier League experience often grant them the edge in knockout cup games, particularly against lower-division opposition.
Broadcast, Coverage, and Fan Engagement
This FA Cup fourth round tie has attracted significant attention, illustrating the enduring appeal of the competition. Recent figures show increasing viewership for FA Cup matches on TV in the UK, with broadcasters like TNT Sports reporting higher engagement than even some Premier League fixtures. Combined broadcast deals with the BBC ensure that a broad audience can follow the action across multiple platforms — enhancing both accessibility and prestige.
Fans worldwide can also track live match updates through club apps and official websites, which provide commentary, statistical insights, and post-match analysis. These digital platforms deepen fan engagement and keep supporters closely connected to the match flow from kick-off to final whistle.
Conclusion: What’s at Stake
In summary, this Hull City vs Chelsea FA Cup tie is far more than a routine fourth-round fixture. It blends historic rivalry, personal storylines (with Rosenior’s return), competitive ambition, and the unpredictable drama of knockout football. Chelsea’s historical superiority positions them as favorites, but Hull — fueled by home support and championship momentum — will be determined to cause an upset.
Whether Chelsea’s quality and cup experience prevail or Hull seize a historic win remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the match will deliver intensity, emotion, and the unpredictable spirit that defines the FA Cup.