Sunday 22 January 2017 16:31, UK
Premier League leaders Chelsea will have Diego Costa available when they host Hull, live on Sky Sports on Nissan Super Sunday.
The striker's future at the club appeared to be in doubt following a reported row with head coach Antonio Conte amid the backdrop of a £30m-a-year offer from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian.
But after missing last weekend's 3-0 win at Leicester, Costa now looks set to stay at Stamford Bridge.
"I think the player wants to stay. He is very happy to play with us," said Conte. "This idea (the move to China) is far in his mind. He's happy to stay here and this is the most important thing for us."
Chelsea had little trouble beating Leicester without Costa as two goals from Marcos Alonso helped them return to winning ways after their defeat to Tottenham.
The Blues start the weekend seven points ahead of second-placed Spurs, who travel to Manchester City on Saturday evening, and third-placed Liverpool who kick-off the weekend's action against Swansea.
Hull remain in the bottom three despite beating Bournemouth last weekend in Marco Silva's first Premier League match in charge.
Silva, who has overseen two wins and a defeat since replacing Mike Phelan, said: "It will be difficult, but we will go there and look to compete.
"We will need to produce a good team performance. We will have to show our organisation and compete for the full 90 minutes."
Team news
Costa is available for Chelsea after a back injury but it is unclear whether he will return to the starting line-up.
Captain John Terry is also in contention following suspension, but is likely to be a substitute at best.
Robert Snodgrass is an injury doubt for Hull, having missing training this week due to a muscle strain.
He will be monitored by Silva, while recent signings Oumar Niasse and Evandro could make their full debuts. Midfielder David Meyler is hoping to be in contention after returning to training.
Opta stats
Chelsea are unbeaten in their nine Premier League meetings with Hull (W7 D2), keeping six clean sheets in the process
Hull's only previous Premier League goal at Stamford Bridge was in August 2009, Stephen Hunt giving the Tigers the lead before eventually losing 1-2
Hull's last league win against Chelsea came in the old second division, winning 3-0 at Boothferry Park in October 1988
Diego Costa has scored in all three of his previous Premier League appearances against Hull, assisting twice.
Hull have conceded 10 penalties this season - only one side in Premier League history has conceded more in a campaign (Blackburn in 2006/07, 11)
The Tigers have kept just one clean sheet this season in the Premier League, back in August against Swansea
Merson's prediction
On paper it's an easy game for Chelsea. Like Liverpool and Arsenal I expect a comfortable afternoon for the Blues and that's why it puts so much pressure on Man City's clash with Tottenham.
City have to win because I expect Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea to get all three points. If City don't win and all the teams around them do, they'll be cut adrift. Whatever happens, it'll be three points at Stamford Bridge for Antonio Conte's side.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Chelsea are just 1/5 with Sky Bet as Hull go up against odds of 12/1 to leave Stamford Bridge with a win and 11/2 just to secure a draw. The Blues are also strong favourites in the Premier League outright at 8/15, while their visitors are even shorter odds for relegation at 2/9 despite also triumphing last weekend.
The importance of Costa's expected return is exemplified by his clear favouritism in the first goalscorer betting at 9/4, with Abel Hernandez considered the Tigers' main threat at 12/1 to break the deadlock.
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