Hull Players for Chelsea to Fear in Premier League Opener

Chelsea might need to refocus if they think they are going to stroll into the new Premier League campaign with an easy victory against newcomers Hull City.

The Tigers will be fired up for their return to the big time and possess several players that the Blues will need to be wary of.

Steve Bruce manufactured a stunning 3-0 victory the last time he managed at Stamford Bridge with Sunderland, so he will be hoping to spring another shock on Sunday.

Here are three players who could help Hull surprise Chelsea in Jose Mourinho's homecoming.

Robbie Brady has been a great addition to Hull City since arriving from Manchester United.

The Irishman found it difficult to break into the first team of the English champions, so dropping down to the Championship was the ideal way to kickstart a bright career.

Predominantly a left winger, Brady possesses the traditional skills associated with his position—quick with close control and a low centre of gravity.

With Chelsea's right-back position one of the few areas of the team that remains to be decided, Brady might find some joy early on against either Branislav Ivanovic—who has mainly been used as a centre-back over the last year—or Cesar Azpilicueta.

Expect Brady to offer a stern examination of his opponent and to carry the ball over large distances with his mazy dribbles.

In a slightly different approach to achieving promotion, one of Steve Bruce's first moves in the transfer market was to sign a new goalkeeper.

Allan McGregor was snapped up from Besiktas for £1.5 million, which could prove to be a sensational piece of business.

The Scotland international is a top-class goalkeeper and, in the right form, the 31-year-old could be the difference in games for the Tigers.

If Chelsea catch McGregor on a good day, the Blues might be in for a frustrating afternoon.

Now firmly established as Scotland's No. 1, McGregor will be looking to prove himself in a top league after a mixed season in Turkey.

A debut at Stamford Bridge will be the perfect opportunity to showcase his skills and prove he is amongst the best goalkeepers in the league.

Danny Graham is probably Hull's biggest signing this summer in what is something of a gamble from Steve Bruce.

The 28-year-old is on a season-long loan from Sunderland after failing to impress on Wearside since his £5 million move from Swansea City in January.

Graham is a big, strong centre-forward and with the right service can be an effective player—under Steve Bruce, he should have enough opportunities to prove his worth.

With quick, wide players positioned either side of Graham, the former Watford striker will be given plenty of service.

Sone Aluko and Yannick Sagbo are likely to be the ones providing that service and if they can deliver the ball into the right areas, Graham can use his strength well to make chances.

David Luiz often likes to get tight to opposing forwards and that could be a mistake against somebody with Graham's ability to roll his marker with his shoulders.

Graham needed a fresh outlook and a new challenge where his manager would believe in him. Hull City appears to be providing just that and Chelsea will represent the perfect opportunity to begin proving his worth.