Dan Fitch / 08 January 2010 Free Bet View Market

Recommended Bets: Back a Chelsea clean sheet @ 1.97; Back Chelsea at -1 and -1.5 in the Asian Handicap @ 1.81; Back Lampard to score @ 2.8.

Hull meet Chelsea on Saturday - both have clear objectives for the next year.

The home side are currently mired in the relegation zone. Though only 10 points separate them from Stoke in the top half of the table, Hull still need to pick up points quickly if they are to climb the table and ensure that manager Phil Brown retains his job.

They face a Chelsea side that have dropped points in four of their last six Premier League outings and have Manchester United breathing down their necks.

If ever there was a time for a relegation threatened outfit to face Chelsea, it is now. The African Nations Cup has robbed the league leaders of several star players, including their leading scorer Didier Drogba.

Having notched 14 league goals this season, Drogba will be badly missed. Luckily for Chelsea, it looks as if Nicolas Anelka will return from his hamstring injury against Hull and replace Daniel Sturridge, who started as a lone striker against Watford last weekend.

It should be remembered though that in the shape of Frank Lampard, Chelsea can boast of a midfielder who scores more goals than most strikers. When the goalscorer markets open on Betfair closer to kick off, expect Lampard to be priced at around [6.5] to score first and [2.8] to net anytime.

Anelka will lead the betting at [4.5] and [2.0], with Sturridge available at [6.0] and [2.4]. For Hull, Altidore can be backed at [13.0] and [5.5].

Hull are currently missing their own talisman. When Jimmy Bullard returned to the team, Hull's results immediately improved, but since he succumbed to another injury, points have been few and far between.

The Tigers have not won now in their last six Premier League outings. In their defence, this sequence of results has included tough fixtures against Manchester City, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United, but with Chelsea as strong as any of these teams, it doesn't bode well for Saturday.

Hull have their own players missing on international duty, with Seyi Olofinjana away with Nigeria. As Dean Marney is injured, it looks as if the 18-year old midfielder Tom Cairney will make his Premier League debut. There is also speculation that Manchester City's Felipe Caicedo may arrive on loan in time to face Chelsea.

As well as Drogba, Chelsea also have Essien, Mikel and Kalou away in Africa. Deco has a chance of returning after a groin strain.

On the first day of the season, Hull came within seconds of forcing a draw at Stamford Bridge, only for Drogba to score the winner in the last minute. Last season, Hull fought out a goalless draw at Chelsea, but they lost 3-0 at the KC Stadium.

Of Hull's last nine Premier League games, seven have broken the 2.5 goals barrier, while Chelsea have done likewise in six of their last eight. Overs can be backed at [1.87], with under 2.5 at [2.12].

Hull are available at [11.0], with the draw at [5.3] and Chelsea [1.38]. This is pretty slim when Chelsea are missing so many players, even against Hull.

I prefer the chances of a Chelsea clean sheet at [1.97] and the Asian Handicap of Chelsea at -1.0 and -1.5. at [1.81]. If Chelsea win by 2 clear goals the bet wins, but if they only win by 1, then half your stake will be returned.

One-nil to Chelsea is [7.6], with 2-1 at [10.0]. In the half-time/full-time market, the draw/Chelsea is [4.8], with Chelsea/Chelsea at [2.06].

This game will bring more misery for Hull I think and a chance for Chelsea to extend their lead at the top to 5 points and put the pressure on United.

12.45 pm Sky Sports 1