Hull City travel to play-off chasing Cardiff in what wont be an easy game for the Tigers. Cardiff are sometimes unpredictable but have started to get it together in recent weeks. A point would be a good result for the Tigers, but really we need all three to make survival look realistic.
Vital Quotes:
Peter Taylor on the game:
‘It will be a tough game but we have got to go down there and be positive. We played against them at home and beat them and their side hasn’t changed that much since them.
‘All matches away from home are difficult, but you’ve got to set your stall out and be hard to play against and I think that is what we’ve done in recent away matches.’
Cardiff City Team News:
Cardiff City have no fresh injury doubts after the game at Kenilworth Road against Luton Town.
Striker Steven Thompson, signed from Rangers will be in contention for a place in the squad after recovering from injury.
Defender Glen Loovens and Paul Parry remain sidelined.
Cardiff will be able to name a strong side as they look to close the six point gap currently between themselves and the play-offs.
Player to watch: Jason Koumas
A class act for the Championship and some would argue even for the Premiership. His passing and vision show amazing ability. Also lethal from dead ball situations, he will be a real threat. City did just enough to stop him in our last league encounter – but the defenders will have to be on top form to do it again at Ninian Park.
Hull City Team News:
City have a defensive crisis. Sam Collins misses the game through injury whilst right-back Ryan France misses the game through suspension for five yellow cards. Mark Lynch is likely to feature at right-back whilst Delaney moves into the centre of the defence to partner Leon Cort. Alton Thelwell will cover the left-back role.
Mark Noble is expected to make the squad for the first time since his loan move from West Ham United.
City still have long term injuries to Nick Barmby, Ian Ashbee, Danny Coles and Stephen Mcphee.
Up-front, Taylor can choose between Duffy, Parkin and Fagan for which combination of strikers he wants to play. I think he will stick with Tuesday night’s partnership of Fagan and Parkin.
Player to watch: Jon Parkin
The move to the Championship hasn’t stopped him scoring goals. A good finisher who has great feet for a big man. Wont get pushed off the ball easily and Darren Purse is going to have his work cut out if he is to stop the man known as ‘the beast.’
Match Facts & Stats
The last meeting between these two teams ended in a 2-0 victory for the Tigers. Darren Purse was sent off for Cardiff on 70 minutes. After that, City controlled the game and goals from Billy Paynter and Craig Fagan allowed City to pick up a 2-0 win.
Ref Watch:
Unknown as of yet (check back later to find out.)
Match Prediction:
I would be happy with a draw but would hope we can push for three. I think Cardiff are unpredictable at times so lets hope they have an off-day and we can capitalise and sneak all three points back up to Hull.
Next Fixtures:
Coca – Cola Championship:
Sat 25th Feb: Hull City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sat 25th Feb: Leeds United v Cardiff City
I hpoe our defence can gel well enough to stop the major threat of Koumas and Jerome…Although Jerome looked poor at the KC he will be a real threat and Koumas’ delivery will cause problems all game long.