Hull City started life in the Premier League really well but in the last three games, their form has taken a big dip. The Tigers were thrashed by mighty Arsenal 4-1 on Saturday and will be looking to use the League Cup game this midweek to get back to their best. The Tigers travel to the Bet365 Stadium on Wednesday to face Mark Hughes’ Stoke City are who are yet to win their first Premier League game this season.
3 goals scored and 14 conceded, this season has been a nightmare for Mark Hughes’ boys. Big things were expected of the Potters this season after three back to ninth-placed finishes. If things do not improve soon for the Potters, Mark Hughes could get the boot. Hull City are likely to play their strongest XI against the Potters and will be looking to add further woe to the struggling side.
Here is the predicted Hull City lineup against Stoke City.
Defence
David Marshall is likely to take the duty off Eldin Jakupovic under the bar. The former Cardiff City keeper was signed this summer by the Tigers and yet to start his first game for the Tigers. The Scot could get his first chance to prove his worth against Stoke City. Ahmed Elmohamady is most likely to start at right-back. The central defensive pairing will be Harry Maguire and Curtis Davies. Jake Livermore did more than a decent job at the back so far when Hull City were stretched at the back by injuries but the Englishman having been sent off against Arsenal could make way for Maguire in the team. Andrew Robertson will start in the left-back position.
Midfield
Tom Huddlestone is likely to keep his place at the base of midfield. His key job will be to protect the back four. Club record signing Ryan Mason is likely to start in midfield as a box to box midfielder. Samuel Clucas is likely to keep his place in the middle of the park. Hull’s midfielders will need to control the game and make things hard for Allen and Imbula who haven’t been in the best of form.
Attack
Robert Snodgrass has been in brilliant form. The Scottish international is likely to keep his place on the right flank. Uruguayan international Abel Hernandez is likely to keep his place up front. We expect Adama Diomande to continue on the left. Will Keane and Dieumerci Mbokani are alternative options up front for Mike Phelan but the manager is unlikely to go easy on Stoke and could play Hernandez as the lone man up top.
