Hull City’s win over Swansea City has brought them tremendously close to an escape out of the relegation zone, which has been their home in the Premier League for quite some time now. While substitute Oumar Niasse’s brace was enough for the Tigers to break the deadlock last time, their next fixture is a whole different challenge and a much tougher one.
Everton’s home form has been absolutely brilliant of late. Since losing to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby back in December, the Toffees have won all five of their home fixtures and the manner in which they defeated 8th placed West Bromwich Albion last week surely makes them heavy favourites to win the game this weekend.
Their home record against the Tigers also indicates the same. Hull City haven’t beaten Everton at Goodison Park since August 1952, where they have lost five of the six fixtures. And though Marco Silva has brought a positive change to the side that was struggling so bad in the first half of the season, his away record has been dismal, managing only 3 points in their shocking win against Liverpool at Anfield.
Strongest Hull City XI vs Everton
Defence
Eldin Jakupovic should take his place under the bar once again. The 32-year-old Swiss international has been quite assuring for Silva so far, conceding just 17 goals in 13 outings.
One of the biggest reasons for Hull’s stability of late has been their pretty much unchanged defence. Silva has enjoyed an injury and suspension free back line since he has taken over and the defence works quite well together. Andy Robertson will take his position on the left-back position and Omar Elabdellaoui on the other flank. The central defensive duo will continue to be Harry Maguire and Andrea Ranocchia.
The manager has an experienced and assuring option in the right-back position in Ahmed Elmohamady, but the Egyptian international should be reserved to take an advanced position if Hull manage to keep Everton quiet until the final quarter.
Midfield
Hull’s offensive tactics worked well against Swansea City but we reckon the Portuguese manager will opt for a defensive midfield setup against Everton. We expect Alfred N’Diaye and Tom Huddlestone to play as the double pivot this time. Sam Clucas started in the playmaker’s role last time alongside N’Diaye and should be the lone no. 10 this time.
Attack
Kamil Grosicki and Lazar Markovic should take the flanks this time too. Abel Hernandez started up top last game and we think he should keep his position. His big frame could give real problems to Everton’s defence.
