Hull City will be looking to end their four-game winless run in the Championship as they host Stoke City at the MKM Stadium. Stoke City came out on top in the reverse fixture back in September. Goals from Vrančić and Powell secured the points for the Potters.
The home side are without a win in all of their last five games. After their loss against Blackpool last week, they now sit 19th on the table with just 23 points. Hull City are 4 points clear of the relegation zone but Peterborough have a game in hand over the Tigers.
Hull City were knocked out of the 3rd round of the FA Cup by Premier League club Everton on Saturday. Grant McCann’s side did not make it easy for the Toffees to secure a place in the 4th round. They pushed the game into extra time but had no answer for Townsend’s 99-minute goal.
Hull City are on the verge of a much-anticipated takeover. The club are expected to make an announcement in the coming days.
Hull City Championship form: W D D L L
The visiting side have varying ambitions compared to the home side. Stoke City are still 5 points within the knock-off places. Michael O’Neil will be right to believe they have a chance at challenging for the top 6.
It has been more than a month since Stoke City’s last win in the Championship. They suffered back-to-back losses against Derby County and Preston in the last two games. They need to start picking up points if they are to challenge for a promotion spot.
A win in the 3rd round of the FA Cup would have helped the Potters with their confidence.
Stoke City Championship form: L W D L L
Hull City vs Stoke City: Team news
Hull City
The home side will be missing Lewis Coyle and Joshua Emmanuel who are both sidelined due to injury.
Grant McCann may not make a lot of changes to the side that took Everton to extra-time. They also have no players traveling to the African Cup of Nations.
Possible Hull City starting line-up
Baxter; Bernard, Greaves, McLoughlin; Longman, Docherty, Smallwood, Lewis-Potter; Honeyman; Smith, Eaves
Stoke City
Stoke City rested many players for their FA Cup game against Leyton Orient who will come back into the starting line-up.
Michael O’Neil will be without Harry Souttar, Nick Powell, Romaine Sawyers, Josef Bursik, and Jordan Thompson for this fixture as they all miss out due to injuries.
Manchester City loanee Taylor Harwood-Bellis might make an appearance for the Potters.
Possible Stoke City starting line-up
Davies; Wilmot, Batth, Chester; Smith, Clucas, Allen, Tymon, Ince; Brown, Campbell
Our Prediction
Hull City 1-2 Stoke City
The away side will emerge victors in this clash. The Tigers have struggled to find form all season. Stoke have recently ended their 3 games winless run in the FA Cup and will feel they can get the better of the home side.
It will be a tight affair but the Potters will nick the odd goal to win the three points.
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