When the fixtures were announced both fans of QPR and Hull City alike checked expectantly to see their initial opponents. There’s no doubt that both were disappointed with the ‘calibre’ of their first match but the match promises that it can deliver in the opening weekend.
Let’s start with the home side QPR, after being promoted to the premier league via a dramatic Play-Off Final Harry Redknapp’s side will look to start the season well. Their pre-season hasn’t been inspiring for those in West London with the only wins coming against Athlone Town and Shamrock Rovers whilst they have lost to RB Leipzig and PAOK. However, this is only pre-season and on paper QPR certainly have enough to cause problems on Saturday. Most notably because they have a talisman in Loic Remy available for selection after his deal to Liverpool fell through. Remy scored 3 goals in 2 appearances against Hull City and helped Newcastle to a 4-1 win at the KC stadium last season. His pace and aggression can cause real problems for the defence of Hull City and if he starts Steve Bruce will have to nullify his threats. Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker could be vital to keeping the threats of Hull City out with both English centre backs likely to feature in a back 3, something employed by Hull City last season. Ferdinand’s experience mixed with Caulker’s tenacity could be used to great effect in this game and throughout the season.
Hull City’s pre-season was a little better, a slow start culminated with the Europa league progression against Trencin followed by a win against Stuttgart with a ‘weakened’ side. The departure of Shane Long hasn’t left Hull short up front with Tom Ince and Sone Aluko showing promise in his place. Nikica Jelavic returns from a World Cup and extended compassionate leave after playing a full 90 minutes against Stuttgart so Steve Bruce still remains comfortable despite the departure of Long. Jake Livermore could be vital in the engine room to combat the creative exploits of Jordan Mutch and Joey Barton therefore cutting the supply to the frontmen. Something that will give Hull fans some hope is that generally QPR and opening games don’t go well together. In their last 2 Premier League seasons QPR have lost their first game 4-0 and 5-0 to Bolton and Swansea respectively.
The two team’s head-to-head stats make interesting reading. The last 3 games between the two sides have ended in the sides sharing the spoils. QPR fans may be fond of the last time the two sides met with the side being promoted after drawing 1-1 at Loftus Road. Out of the last 8 games (4 being at Loftus Road) the sides have drawn 5 times. QPR have won on two occasions, both coming at home, whilst Hull have only taken 3 points on the one occasion. QPR’s home record was something that kept their promotion hopes going last season, only losing twice to Leicester and Reading, and this will be something that Harry Redknapp will want to continue on Saturday. However, this step up to the premier league could see that home diminish slightly which is something we saw in their last premier league season. Despite an impressive first season beating the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool at home their second season only saw 2 wins and 9 draws at home. This kind of form saw them relegated and it will be something Steve Bruce will try to exploit. Hull’s away record last season was derisory and it was an impressive home record that kept the team from East Yorkshire up. Amassing 3 wins and 5 draws on their travels, fans travelling from East Yorkshire were often left unhappy when returning from a long away day.
Ultimately this game has draw written all over it. Both sides return from their last games at Wembley hoping for an impressive premier league campaign. With this in mind it could be a tentative affair. QPR will hope to start positively whilst Hull will look to counter the threats early on and nullify them. So ultimately my prediction for this game is 1-1.