Chelsea manager returns to the MKM searching for a cup response against his former club

Hull City and Chelsea meet at the MKM Stadium on Friday night with a place in the FA Cup fifth round on the line.

Chelsea head into the tie needing a response after throwing away a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw with Leeds United, a result that halted their momentum under Liam Rosenior.

The fourth-round trip also carries extra significance for Rosenior, who returns to face his former club less than two years after leaving Hull in May 2024.

Chelsea have made an encouraging start under their new manager, but the Leeds game exposed familiar issues, with sloppy defending undoing an otherwise dominant display.

Progress in the FA Cup would offer a timely reset, especially as Premier League pressure mounts in the race for the top four.

Hull will view this as one of their biggest nights of the season, even if their recent results have taken some shine off the season.

The Tigers were held to a goalless draw by Watford before losing 3-2 at home to Bristol City, a match that underlined how quickly their form can wobble when concentration drops.

Hull have not beaten Chelsea since 1988 and have lost eight straight meetings, including FA Cup defeats in 2018 and 2020.

That record means the hosts must find a sharper edge than they have shown in recent weeks if they are to spring an upset.

Chelsea will also be mindful of their own recent FA Cup frustrations, having been knocked out early by Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion in the last two seasons.

A strong cup run would represent progress under Rosenior and a welcome shift in narrative after Tuesday’s disappointment.

With Rosenior returning to familiar surroundings and both sides carrying something to prove, the tie has the ingredients for a tense and compelling cup night.