Chelsea vs Hull City: Back Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers link-up to finally punish Tigers’ defence

Chelsea will look to maintain their push towards the Premier League title race when they welcome unbeaten Hull City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers have been one of the surprise packages of the new campaign, taking seven points from their opening three games without conceding a single goal. Chelsea, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat under Xabi Alonso at reigning champions Arsenal last weekend before producing a remarkable comeback against Leeds United in the EFL Cup.

That 6-3 victory could have provided the spark Chelsea needed, with Morgan Rogers assisting four goals after coming off the bench and Cole Palmer scoring twice. The pair also combined for Palmer's second, and there is value in backing them to link up again.

Back Palmer and Rogers to punish Hull's defence

Hull's perfect defensive record looks impressive, but the underlying numbers suggest Chelsea have every chance of ending it.

The Tigers actually sit bottom of the Premier League expected goals (xG) table, while their expected goals against (xGA) figure suggests they should have conceded five times already. Only seven teams have posted a worse xGA after the opening three matches, yet Hull remain the division's only side without a goal conceded.

That points towards some good fortune rather than an impenetrable defence, and the Blues have the attacking quality to expose it.

Alonso's side have scored 16 goals in their opening five games in all competitions, averaging more than three per match, with Palmer and Rogers among the key attacking outlets.

Rogers was outstanding in his cameo against Leeds, providing four assists after being introduced from the bench, while Palmer twice found the net. The English duo's combination for Palmer's second goal was particularly encouraging ahead of Saturday's meeting.

Chelsea are 1/4 (1.25) favourites and, if they justify that price, Palmer and Rogers are likely to have played a major role.

Chelsea vs Hull City best bet

Cole Palmer to score and Morgan Rogers to assist – 17/4 (5.25) with Ladbrokes and William Hill

Hull's defensive record is flattering them, with their xGA suggesting they should already have conceded five goals. Chelsea have scored 16 times in five matches, while Palmer and Rogers showed in midweek that they can cause serious damage together. At 17/4, this looks a tempting way to back the Blues' attacking duo to combine again.