Hull City v Sunderland: Preview

Can Hull City pick up three points?

In the last corresponding fixture between these two sides, the score ended 1-0 to Sunderland. Although Hull had the majority of the possession (54%), they couldn’t get past Sunderland’s defence as the Black Cats ran out with all three points.

Although they have only played each other twice in the Premier League, recent history shows that this fixture is a one-sided affair. The last two Premiership meetings between these sides have ended with two Sunderland wins, however these games were played over three years ago so Tigers fans shouldn’t be to wary ahead of tomorrow’s game.

Hull City have made a very positive start to their season and many have been impressed with the Tigers on their return to the top-flight. In their first nine matches, City have won three times, drawn twice and lost on four occasions, meaning they have picked up 11 points from a possible 27.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have been very poor in their opening set of matches. The Black Cats have picked up just four points from a possible 27 and they are currently sitting second bottom of the Premier League, having won and drawn once and losing on the other seven occasions.

In their last Premier League game, Hull put in a battling performance against a strong Tottenham side, however their hard-work was undone by a poor refereeing decision when Michael Oliver awarded Spurs a penalty. The spot-kick, given in the 80th Minute for Ahmed Elmohamady’s perceived handball, was converted by Roberto Soldado to give the London side a 1-0 win.

Hull returned to White Hart Lane for a midweek League Cup game. They again pushed Tottenham close after a Brad Friedel own goal cancelled out Spurs’ Gylfi Sigurdsson’s opener, before the Tigers’ Paul McShane scored in extra time only for Harry Kane to pull one back for the London side. The match had to be decided by a penalty shootout and with the score at 8-7 in sudden death, Elmohamady’s penalty was saved and Spurs advanced to the next round.

In their last match, Sunderland picked up their first three points of the season after they beat local rivals Newcastle 2-1. The Black Cats took the spoils after Fabio Borini’s late winner made sure they beat the Magpies in the first Tyne-Wear derby of the season.

Team News:

Hull have a very thin squad as their list of injuries continues to grow. The Tigers will be without Alex Bruce and Allan McGregor, while top-scorer Robbie Brady (groin) and striker Sone Aluko (calf) will undergo late fitness tests.

Former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will also be without loanee Danny Graham, who is ineligible to face his parent club.

In stark contrast to their opposition, Sunderland have no injury concerns ahead of tomorrow’s game but Gus Poyet does face a tricky decision over whether to start Borini or not after the Italian’s late winner last week.

Possible starting lineups

Hull: Harper; Rosenior, Figueroa, Bruce, Davies, McShane; Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Meyler, Quinn; Sagbo

Sunderland: Westwood; Bardsley, Dossena, O’Shea, Cuellar; Cattermole, Colback, Larsson, Johnson; Altidore, Fletcher

Match Facts:

There have been four red cards in the last three games between these two sides, so tomorrow’s match could be feisty.

In the last corresponding fixture, Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore was sent off while player for Hull City.

Hull are the only team in the Premier League yet to concede a goal from outside the box, while they have also scored the fewest goals out of all the teams in the top half of the Premier League.

Sunderland haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last 13 games.

The Tigers are currently unbeaten at home, having won and drawn twice at the KC Stadium.

Sunderland have conceded 21 goals this season- the most in the Premier League.

Stats complied from Eurosport

Prediction:

Hull put in two brave and battling performances against Tottenham this week and current form perhaps suggests they should win this game. However, having played 120 minutes of football in midweek, the Tigers may look lethargic which could cost them a valuable three points tomorrow.

Sunderland, meanwhile, will be coming into the match full of confidence after they overcame their neighbours to earn the local bragging rights last weekend. The Black Cats also don’t have any injury concerns, while Hull’s squad seems to be getting thinner by every match.

However, because of their spirited performances over the week, I am going to back Hull City. The match will be close but the Tigers will edge it. Hull City 1-0 Sunderland.