Hull City were one of the pre-season favourites to go down this year. A disgruntled atmosphere in the club right at the beginning and throughout the summer stretching into the campaign made the detractors sure of the club’s predicament. The tussle with the ownership and the unscheduled departure of Steve Bruce citing boardroom discontent all contributed to a volatile situation where the players got disillusioned as well as the fans.
Hull did make some late signings after they were cornered, with the season underway but it remains to be seen whether, taking into all the factors, it is too little too late.
The Tigers are currently in the 15th position having acquired 7 points from 7 games. In the situation the players were in, they could have either let the negativity affect them and could have gone through the motions or they could have come out fighting as they had nothing to lose when the season began. And in a refreshing turn of events, the players led by caretaker Mike Phelan decided did the latter.
They notched up back to back wins against Leicester and Swansea which gave them 6 invaluable points but have stuttered since. In the following 5 matches, the Tigers have managed a solitary point in a draw against Swansea City.
But they have shown fight which bodes well for the future. In what is a boost for them, their fixtures till the middle of December bodes well for further points with matches against teams Hull would probably be confident about taking points off.
In what has been an added issue for them, the Tigers have had to deal with multiple injuries which have further made life difficult for Mike Phelan.
T4O’s POSSIBLE HULL CITY ELEVEN WHEN FULLY FIT (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
David Marshall will look to have more influence on the game and needs a rise in the level of his performance as Hull are understandably going to concede lots of shots with teams looking to attack them. Moses Odubajo is a long-term absentee but he will be first choice right-back when he makes a comeback. David Meyler can chip in with Phelan looking at other options as well. Michael Dawson’s return will be a big boost and along with Curtis Davies, he will be expected to form a solid partnership.
MIDFIELD
Livermore and Huddlestone are the best bets for the double-pivot, with the defensive solidity they offer along with their experience. The club record signing Ryan Mason can slot into No.10 role but needs to be given a run of games.
ATTACK
Diomande and Snodgrass will be lining up on the wings with Mbokani up front expected to do the job. Abel Hernandez offers an alternative to the manager.
