Chelsea vs. Hull City

Ideally, the 3-5-2 system wasn't used much in the English Premier League - until Harry Redknapp and Louis van Gaal decided to challenge the norm, but with disastrous outcomes. Redknapp introduced the system at Loftus Road after agreeing with the first team's coach - Glenn Hoddle, that the system translated into success. How wrong they were - maybe they watched too much of Dutch flair during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Hoops are clearly struggling with the formation - save for the few games that Charlie Austin has bailed them out. Redknapp had hoped that the formation would bring about positive fortunes having earlier tested the system while at West Ham United. Louis van Gaal - he of escalated ego, was hellbent on initiating the system at Old Trafford although the likes of Swansea and Burnley disregarded his opinion. Garry Monk's men would even snatch a famous victory against United. By doing so, they upset the applecart and LvG - as the Dutch tactician is known, had no choice but to revert to the usual formation. However, having lots of riches in the midfield has made the gaffer revert to the system for the last few games. The 3-5-2 ideology has been copied by Steve Bruce at Hull City. The Tigers' boss is convinced that the system would be ideal for both Nikica Jelavic and Gaston Ramirez, with Tom Huddlestone shielding the likes of Curtis Davies and Michael Dawson. Ironically, Steve Bruce spent his career playing in a formation that entailed four defenders! Am not sure if he wants to copy the occurrences at Old Trafford - a place where his career glittered. All in all, the former Manchester United player faces a difficult opponent whose desire to win is augmented by their loss to Alan Pardew's lads at St. James' Park. While Steve Bruce cherishes the 3-5-2, his nemesis today pays homage to 4-2-3-1. Jose Mourinho knows too well that his inflated ego wouldn't accommodate two loses in a row in the EPL. The Pensioners will be hoping that Cesc Fabregas' suspension wouldn't translate into a goal drought - its not easy to overlook the fact that the Spaniard has been vital to their wins with his assists! Eleven assists in fifteen EPL matches is no mean feat - 30 million pounds was daylight robbery! The travelling KC stadium faithful are hopeful that they are capable of upsetting the Bridge. In Fabregas' absence, Steve Bruce may just crowd the midfield and overload Nemanja Matic - whose absence in the match against Newcastle was evident. However, the Portuguese "translator" may use Ramires' stamina and speed to stretch Hull's defensive block thereby giving Oscar yards of space to engineer offensive moves. Another blow to the Blues comes in form of Thibaut Courtois - the Belgian keeper is set to miss the match and Petr Cech must be thanking the football gods! Steve Bruce is well aware of the challenge ahead - he may have persuaded Roary the Tiger to make the trip to London for motivation purposes. In the wake of a defeat, Assem Allam may decide that he has seen enough. The Tigers's boss is however aware of what befell Nick Barmby and Nigel Pearson before. Besides the rumors about falling out with Hatem Ben Arfa who is on loan from Newcastle United, Steve Bruce better prepare for an ill tempered match.