Hull City welcome Preston North End to the KC Stadium on Saturday afternoon with the Tigers looking to bounce back from defeat.
Steve Bruce’s side lost out last week to a late goal at Charlton, their first defeat since returning to the second tier following Premier League relegation last season. Preston however have just one win to their name, but will be full of confidence after knocking Premier League Watford out of the Capital One Cup in midweek.
Last season Hull and Preston were two leagues apart, with the Tigers coming down from the Premier League, and Preston securing promotion from League One. Therefore both teams will harbour different targets for this season, with Hull one of the favourites for promotion and Preston a strong bet for the drop.
Players To Look Out For
Hull – Mohamed Diame – The Senegalese midfielder played in the midweek win over Rochdale in the cup and could certainly make a difference should Bruce decide to keep him in the squad. The midfielder is strong and commanding and looks set to flourish in the second tier this season.
Preston – Jermaine Beckford – The striker has become somewhat of a journeyman in recent years. The former Everton striker is now on the books at North End and looks set to play following a pre-season injury ruling him out so far. He could be dangerous and cause the Hull defence a lot of problems should he play.
Team News
The Tigers could have new signing Shaun Maloney available as manager Steve Bruce looks set to have a selection headache. Allan McGregor is to remain in goal with the defence not likely to be changed either. The midfield however is the most interesting choice, with plenty of players for Bruce to choose from.
Preston boss Simon Grayson however doesn’t have that luxury. Greg Cunningham will definitely miss out through a hamstring injury. Will Keane and Beckford may be fit and could feature, while Jordan Hugill is back from suspension and could play up front alongside Joe Garner.
Predicted XI’s
Hull – Allan McGregor, Moses Odubajo, Curtis Davies, Michael Dawson, Andy Robertson, Ahmed Elmohamady, Mohamed Diame, Isaac Hayden, Shaun Maloney, Chuba Akpom, Nikica Jelavic.
Preston – Jordan Pickford, Tom Clarke, Paul Huntington, Bailey Wright, Calum Woods, Marnick Vermjil, Josh Brownhill, Neil Kilkenny, Alan Browne, Joe Garner, Jermaine Bickford.
Predictions
Hull are the favourites with home advantage on their side, it’s likely it won’t be easy for the Tigers with Preston well set up under Grayson. The Tigers are looking to get back to winning ways and there’s no better way to do so than at home. Hull 3-1 Preston.