Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of this afternoon's Premier League encounter between Hull City and Chelsea at the KC Stadium. Plenty to play for at both ends of the table today, so we should be in store for an intriguing 90 minutes. Team news will be through shortly.

CHELSEA: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luis; Fabregas, Matic; Ramires, Willian, Hazard; Diego Costa

CHELSEA SUBS: Cech, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Loftus-Cheek, Oscar, Cuadrado, Remy

Following last weekend's frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Southampton, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made two changes to his starting lineup for today's game as Filipe Luis and Ramires replace Cesar Azpilicueta and Oscar, who drop to the bench.

HULL: McGregor; Dawson, Bruce, McShane, Elmohamady, Robertson; Meyler, Livermore, Ramirez; Hernandez, N'Doye

HULL SUBS: Harper, Rosenior, Davies, Quinn, Brady, Sagbo, Aluko

Hull City manager Steve Bruce has also made two changes after seeing his side draw 0-0 with Leicester City last weekend. Abel Hernandez and David Meyler come in for the injured Nikica Jelavic and the suspended Tom Huddlestone.

With Manchester City earning a comfortable 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion yesterday, Chelsea know that a win this afternoon would see them restore their six-point lead at the top of the table. Jose Mourinho's men also have a game in hand on the champions. While there still seems to be a bit of mileage left in the title race, Chelsea will be eager to leave the KC Stadium with three points today.

As for Hull, the Tigers are in need of the points down at the other end of the table following three games without a win. Steve Bruce's side sit just three points above the drop zone. A victory for Hull may seem improbable this afternoon, but they would certainly be happy to avoid defeat.

Another special day for Chelsea's captain...

Congratulations to captain John Terry, who makes his 450th @premierleague appearance today... #CFC pic.twitter.com/i6KNIqN3Mp — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 22, 2015

UPDATE! The full-time whistle has just gone at Anfield, where Manchester United have beaten bitter rivals Liverpool 2-1 thanks to a brace from Juan Mata. It was a hugely-controversial game on Merseyside, with Steven Gerrard getting himself sent off less than a minute after coming on as a half-time substitute.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "We are in front, the advantage is significant but there is still a long way to go. We are strong and confident. I think the best way to fight against complacency is to know there is a long way to go. We've been chased since August so it's normal to know the other teams are behind and they won't let us enjoy an easy ride."

Hull City boss Steve Bruce: "When you talk about the great managers Jose is going to be one of them. I have the highest respect for what he has done, what he has achieved and what he is.

"I believe he is box office, that we are better off with him in the Premier League, even though Chelsea were easier to take something against when he wasn't involved. They're coming to town and we'll have to play at our best."

Got a spare few minutes before kickoff? Why not check out our video preview of today's game:

While many think that the title is Chelsea's to lose, today's visitors have looked a bit shaky in recent weeks. They may not have tasted defeat in the Premier League since New Year's Day, but the Blues have drawn two of their last three domestic matches and have also been knocked out by PSG in the Champions League. That said, they are the overwhelming favourites to win this game this afternoon.

Hull enjoyed an upturn in fortunes during February with two wins and a draw, but no victories in their last three have seen them get sucked into that almighty battle for survival down at the wrong end of the standings. A shock win today would send them six points clear of the relegation places.

HEAD TO HEAD: Chelsea have by far the superior record when it comes to past meetings between these teams, winning 25 games compared to four for Hull. There have also been seven draws since they first played each other back in 1906.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 11 games against Hull - a run that includes three consecutive victories in their last three encounters. The Tigers' last victory against Chelsea came back in 1986 when they earned a 3-0 win in the old Second Division.

2 - Chelsea have lost just two of their last 17 Premier League away matches (W11 D4 L2). Professional. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 22, 2015

The teams are starting to emerge in the tunnel at the KC Stadium as we edge closer towards kickoff. For the record, Chelsea earned a 2-0 win over Hull at Stamford Bridge back in December as Eden Hazard and Diego Costa both found the net. However, there was plenty of controversy as two Chelsea players were booked for diving and Tom Huddlestone was sent off.

KICKOFF! The teams are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done and it will be visitors Chelsea to get us underway. Here we go!

Wow! What a start for Chelsea as Eden Hazard gives them the lead inside the opening couple of minutes! The Belgian is given plenty of time and space on the edge of the box, but take nothing away from the finish - a powerful left-footed drive that flies into the top corner. McGregor was nowhere near it.

SAVE! Hull come close to finding an equaliser, but what a save from Courtois! Hernandez is played clear through on goal before composing himself and getting a shot away, only for Chelsea's goalkeeper to keep the ball out of the net with his big frame. It's been a lively start, that's for sure.

The game is very open at the moment. Chelsea are the dominant side, though Hull are also looking like a threat on the break. They've been encouraged greatly by that chance a few minutes ago for Hernandez.

Boom. Just like that, Chelsea increase their lead through Diego Costa. The striker is set free down the left before curling a superb finish past McGregor and into the far corner from a difficult angle. That was such a pure hit from the Spaniard. It's suddenly looking like a long way back for Hull now, despite their resurgence after going 1-0 down.

Hull seem shell-shocked following that goal from Costa. How costly was that Hernandez miss? The hosts could have really should have got themselves level with that opportunity, only to be denied by Courtois. Meanwhile, Chelsea centre-back Cahill goes into the book for a foul on N'Doye.

And Hull are back in it! What a boost that's given the home side! Robertson does brilliantly down the left and his makes a lot of ground before crossing for Elmohamady to tap in from close range. Game on!

OH. MY. WORD. Hull get themselves a second goal in as many minutes thanks to an absolute howler from Thibaut Courtois. The Chelsea goalkeeper decides to take a touch after receiving a pass from Ivanovic, but his touch is awful and goes straight to Hernandez, who slides the ball home from close range. Amazing scenes at the KC Stadium.

To say that Hull have been rejuvenated by those crazy couple of minutes is an understatement. They looked down and out with just nine minutes on the clock, but now their chests are puffed out and they're flying. Who knows what's going to happen in this game.

74 - Hull's second goal came 74 seconds after their first (v Chelsea). Rapid.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 22, 2015

Chelsea are trying to take the sting out of this game with some measured passing in midfield, though they're not being allowed to. Hull's players are buzzing about the pitch with plenty of vim and vigour, giving the Premier League leaders very little time on the ball. Hull's ferocity is demonstrated when Bruce (Alex, not Steve) clatters into the back of Costa.

The visitors are now seeing just the little bit more of the ball. They're still posing a threat in attack, though Hull are also doing a good job of keeping them away from goal. The home side go up the other end before Meyler drags a shot harmlessly wide. There's a great flow to this match at the moment, with the two sides showing plenty of attacking intent.

Chelsea almost shoot themselves in the foot again as Ivanovic and Cahill both go for the same ball. N'Doye picks up the pieces, but the move eventually breaks down. The title favourites are rattled.

Hull are enjoying a good end to the half. They're building up a bit of a head of steam in the final third. They can certainly smell blood when it comes to Chelsea's defensive frailties in this match. The visitors are made to sweat again as Cahill unconvincingly hacks the ball away while under pressure.

There will be at least TWO MINUTES of added time at the end of the half...

Well, what a crazy opening 45 minutes of football. Chelsea looked in cruise control early on as Hazard and Costa both scored during the first nine minutes, but quick-fire goals from Elmohamady and Hernandez mean that it's all square at the break.

It was a curious first half for Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in particular. He made a couple of superb saves early on, but his error for Hull's equaliser was dreadful. His first touch saw the ball go straight to Hernandez, who slotted in with minimal fuss. What did Jose Mourinho make of that?

3 - Eden Hazard has now scored in his last three Premier League meetings with Hull City. Light.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 22, 2015

UPDATE! Today's early kickoff in the Premier League saw Manchester United earn a 2-1 win at rivals Liverpool, while this afternoon's other 4pm starter has Everton leading QPR 1-0 at half time at Loftus Road.

Jose Mourinho is likely to be fuming at his players right now. Chelsea have been incredibly patchy, though it must be said that they've been impressive going forward. However, they must improve in defence and midfield. Meanwhile, Steve Bruce will be telling his players to keep in the faces of Chelsea. Hull have been equally as poor in defence as their opponents, but they've hustled much better in central areas.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out and it will be Hull to kick us off. No changes for either side during the interval.

CHANCE! It's been a scrappy start to the second half, but Chelsea almost go back in the lead! Hazard, who has been dangerous during the opening few minutes since the restart, makes a run down the left before squaring for Fabregas. The Spaniard decides to hit it first time, but he can only drag his shot wide of the far post.

Chelsea are starting to crank up the pressure following that Fabregas opportunity. The game is also getting a bit physical too, with Costa and Cahill both getting involved in a couple of scrapes. You get the feeling that the Blues are going to throw everything at Hull during this half.

The break was on for Hull there. Chelsea won a free kick at the other end of the pitch after Livermore fouled Costa, only for the visitors to launch a counter-attack through Ramirez. However, the midfielder was eventually dispossessed by Filipe Luis on the half-way line.

Chelsea are just pressing and probing at the moment. They're seeing the majority of the ball, forcing Hull further and further back. Willian, Hazard and Fabregas all link brilliantly inside the penalty box before Matic's cross is easily cleared by Dawson. Hull are needing to be fully focused right now as the Premier League leaders go in search of a third goal.

CHELSEA SUB: The visitors make their first change of the day as Oscar replaces Ramires. Just before that, Costa was snuffed out at the near post by McGregor following a good cross from Fabregas.

Credit must go to referee Michael Oliver, who is allowing plenty of crunching tackles to be put in by both sides. It's been a really physical game, but not the sort that has ever seemed nasty. Of course there's around 25 minutes to change that.

TRIPLE SAVE! Courtois goes some way to making amends for his earlier mistake as he keeps out Elmohamady, Hernandez and Ramirez in quick succession, all from close range. What a string of saves from the Belgian. Breathtaking stuff. He looked unbeatable there.

It's fairly end-to-end stuff right now, though you could probably say that Chelsea are doing most of the pressing. It's all very neat from the visitors and they nudge the ball around the edge of the penalty box, but they seem to be lacking any kind of penetration.

14 - Hull had 14 shots in the first half vs Chelsea. They've only mustered more than that in 90 minutes three times this season. Rampant.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 22, 2015

Hull win a free kick about 20 yards from goal as Oscar fouls Ramirez. The midfielder tries to bend the resulting set piece into a dangerous area, only for Courtois to come off his line and collect. There's very little to separate the teams as we approach the final 15 minutes of this match.

CHELSEA SUB: Another swap for the away side as Loic Remy replaces Costa, who looks like he may have suffered a minor hamstring strain. It doesn't look too serious, whatever it is.

He's only been on the pitch for a minute, but Loic Remy strikes to put Chelsea back in front! Willian receives the ball down the right before squaring to Remy, whose tame shot from about 12 yards squirms under McGregor and into the net. Not great goalkeeping from the Scot, it must be said. He could have done a lot better there.

HULL, CHELSEA SUBS: The hosts make three changes as Brady, Aluko and Quinn replace Meyler, Robertson and Ramirez. Meanwhile, a final change for the visitors sees Zouma replace Willian.

Hull are fading here, while Chelsea are tightening their grip on the game with a decent spell of possession. The hosts are struggling to get hold of the ball right now, which is just how Jose Mourinho would want it. Can Chelsea see out these final eight minutes, or is there going to be a final sting in the tail.

4 - Loic Remy has now scored four goals in four Premier League appearances against Hull. Inevitable. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 22, 2015

Chelsea are seeing this game out in a professional manner. They're looking in charge. The Hull players are continuing to look a bit fatigued, but who could blame them? They've given the title favourites a real run for the money this afternoon. That said, there's still time for them to snatch a point.

YELLOW CARD! Matic rightly goes into the book after chopping down Aluko.

There will be a minimum of FOUR MINUTES of added time...

Hull have about two minutes to find themselves an equaliser, but it's looking unlikely. Chelsea remain in control as the full-time whistle approaches.

Chelsea just about do enough in the end to restore their six-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table. It was not always pretty from the Blues, but they will be delighted to leave the KC Stadium with the spoils. Hull can be proud of their efforts this afternoon, though this defeat sees them remain just three points above the drop zone.

That's all from our live text coverage of today's game, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction from both camps right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope to see you soon. Goodbye!