Hull City were, in a way, unfortunate in their defeat away at the hands of a revived Leicester City side last week. Had Marco Silva’s men faced the Foxes two weeks back, who were struggling to get a single goal, there was every chance that the Tigers could have emerged victorious at the King Power Stadium.
The defeat has now widened the gap a bit more between them and the team in the 17th position in the league table. Hull host Swansea City next and needless to say that a win is absolutely necessary, although it won’t be enough to help them escape instantly from the dreaded bottom three. The Tigers are yet to lose a game at home this year, which would make them the favourites going into the fixture.
Swansea City, on the other hand, have quite recently been maintaining their winning record against the mid and lower sides of the league. They are five points above the relegation zone and an away win against a relegation battling side would definitely help their cause. Swansea have collected just 10 points from 13 away games, which include the shock 3-2 win at Anfield.
Strongest Hull City XI vs Swansea City
Defence
Eldin Jakupovic is expected to take his position as the keeper. The Swiss International’s record took a beating as the Tigers conceded three goals against Leicester City. He would be hoping things turn out better this week.
Andrew should take his left-back spot with no better replacement in the side in that position. The right-back position should be taken by Omar Elabdellaoui this time. Silva went with right midfielder Elmohamady as a full-back in their last game and it didn’t go too well. The centre-backs are expected to be the same- Harry Maguire and Andrea Ranocchia. The blend of youth and experience at the heart of the defence is definitely a risk but Hull skipper, Michael Dawson, is still recovering from his calf injury.
Midfield
Marco Silva is expected to stick with the duo of Alfred N’Diaye and Tom Huddlestone in the midfield. The attacking approach backfired in the last game and the manager is expected to fall back to his successful double pivot.
Huddlestone had a nightmarish game last week as he was forced to commit an own-goal, which was the final nail in the coffin. The number 10 role is expected to be taken by Sam Clucas this time. The left midfielder has increasingly been used in the central position of late.
Attack
Kamil Grosicki is expected to start on the left-flank with Lazar Markovic on the right side like last time. Omar Niasse is expected to spearhead the attack.
