Chelsea cruised through last week’s clash with Leicester without Diego Costa in the side, but don’t expect that to continue this week.
Instead, with the Brazilian’s “back injury” having cleared up and the striker’s disagreements with members of the fitness staff also healed, Conte would be spiting himself to leave his star man out.
When asked about Costa starting today in his weekly press conference the Blues boss was coy, replying that he “will see” whether the Premier League top scorer would return.
But it looks as though that was all a smokescreen and the big man will be there to harrass Hull’s defenders at full power.
In fact another week off, following a missed game due to suspension last month, might be a blessing for Costa. The occasional break to keep his hunger for goals overflowing may end up benefiting the Blues after all – at the cost of a worried looking Hull.