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Hull City vs. Chelsea: Combined XI ahead of Premier League clash

By Craig Pearson

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Robert Snodgrass of Hull City celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Hull City at Turf Moor on September 10, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Robert Snodgrass of Hull City celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Hull City at Turf Moor on September 10, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /
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SWANSEA, WALES – SEPTEMBER 11: Diego Costa of Chelsea (C) celebrates with team mates as he scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Chelsea at Liberty Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES – SEPTEMBER 11: Diego Costa of Chelsea (C) celebrates with team mates as he scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Chelsea at Liberty Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Striker

There’s only one main striker in this team and there is only one man for the job. Diego Costa is just about the only Chelsea player who gets in to this combined XI, no questions asked. No doubts whatsoever. Which is an indictment on the rest of the team, frankly.

Costa has looked back to his best this season when his teammates have given him the right service. At other times he has looked isolated and frustrated. The Spain international has scored five goals in six games this season.

A tally which sees him tied as the Premier League’s top scorer. Costa is perfect for this combined XI and would surely enjoy the crossing from Snodgrass both in open play and from set pieces. It’s the link-up you never thought you’d see!

Here is the final XI:

Hull-Chelsea - Football tactics and formations
Hull-Chelsea - Football tactics and formations /

The team reflects Chelsea’s performance so far this season. And Hull’s for that matter. In almost any other season, Chelsea would dominate this matchup. But this season –  and last if Hull were in the Premier League – the Tigers are able to get more players in than expected.

Next: Five lessons Guardiola needs to learn from Celtic draw

The final tally still sees Chelsea edge it out 6-5, but it is way closer than it really should be. Which may well turn out to be an accurate description of the game itself come Saturday.

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