Hull City earned their immediate comeback to the Premier League by winning the Championship playoffs, beating Sheffield Wednesday in the final. Their first game in the Premier League after their comeback sees them host the Premier League holders Leicester City at the KC Stadium in the curtain raiser of the new season.
Even though Hull beat Sheffield Wednesday to make their comeback to the top tier, their joy was somewhat short-lived as manager Steve Bruce left the club following a dispute with the owners at a crucial time when the club should have started their preparations for a strong showing in the most watched league in the world.
For now, Mike Phelan is in charge of the Tigers as the club looks for a successor for Bruce who had served the club for four long years. The Tigers are yet to spend a single penny on their summer recruits but have been hit hard by the departure of one of their key players Mohamed Diame. Survival looks a tough ask for the team and they will head to the season opener as massive underdogs.
Here is the predicted Hull City lineup against Leicester City.
Defence
Hull’s first choice keeper Allan McGregor is out with a long-term back injury which will sideline him for the rest of the calendar years meaning that Eldin Jakupovic will start between the sticks. To sum up, what kind of defensive crisis Hull are going through, Phelan has just one recognised centre-back available to select in Curtis Davies. Jake Livermore, a midfielder by trade, is, therefore, likely to drop into defence, as defensive trio Michael Dawson, Alex Bruce and Harry Maguire continue their comebacks from injury. Ahmed Elmohamady and Andrew Robertson are likely to start in the two full-back positions.
Midfield
Tom Huddlestone and David Meyler are likely to pair up in the middle of the park. Sam Clucas and Robert Snodgrass are likely to be the two wide players. Hull will be playing in a typical 4-4-2 formation against the Foxes who also line up in a similar formation and the battle in midfield will be crucial.
Attack
Abel Hernandez will spearhead the attack for the Tigers and Adam Diomande will support the Uruguayan to break down the reigning Premier League champions’ defence.
