Tomorrow will see the eagerly anticipated derby clash between Yorkshire rivals Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday. With both teams looking over their shoulders and what is going on in the relegation battle, both teams will be looking for the win to move them further away from the drop zone.
Vital Quotes:
Hull City Team News:
Boaz Myhill will make his return in-between the sticks for the Tigers. After being suspended last match for a sending off away at QPR, Bo Myhill will replace Matt Duke, who deputised in goal for the absent Canadian last game. The rest of the team is still fit and will look like playing, which would mean the continuation of Damien Delaney in midfield. Keith Andrews is likely to start from the bench again although he may be pushing for a starting line-up recall.
Long term injuries to Ian Ashbee, Danny Coles and Stephen McPhee all mean that they are not available for the fixture.
Player to watch: Leon Cort
His performances this season, like last, have been solid as a rock. reads the game very well and is starting to make a good defensive relationship with new recruit Sam Collins. Always gives his all and makes some telling challenges. Has come up against some of the best strikers in the league and not let them have a sniff at goal during the game. Always dependable and lets hope his performance can aid a City victory on Saturday.
Sheffield Wednesday Team News:
Steve Adams played a reserve match mid-week, playing 60 minutes and is pushing for a recall into the squad for the trip to the KC. John Halls, David Lucas and Drissa Diallo have all returned to training form injuries, but may not be fit enough to play in what will be a very physical game come Saturday.
Player to watch: Glenn Whelan
The Tigers midfield will have to keep close to this dangerous midfielder. Give him too much time on the ball and he will be able to create opportunities for the Wednesday’s strikers. A good passer of the ball who carries out both defensive and attacking duties, and a player which is going to have to be closely watched by either John Welsh or Damien Delaney in the Hull midfield.
Match Facts & Stats
Sheffield Wednesday have not lost in their last five outings to Hull – a sequence of drawing 3 and winning 2. The last meeting at the KC Stadium, once Hull had already been promoted, ended in a 2-1 victory for Sheffield Wednesday.
Sheffield Wednesday are in a poor run of form, not winning since early November. Without a win in 5, this could be a tricky game. The Tigers got their first win in 7 versus Cardiff last Saturday, and will be looking to build upon good work and performances over the last three games.
Ref Watch:
Unknown as of yet – check back later to find out.
Match Prediction:
I think the Tigers will win this. I can’t see us getting beaten so a draw would be the very least I expect to be leaving the K.C at 4.50 with. I wouldn’t be disappointed with a draw but three points are vital against teams around us in the league. Three wins in the next three against teams below us in the league and our position could certainly look a lot safer and give us a bit of breathing space between ourselves and the bottom three.
Next Fixtures:
The Coca-Cola Championship:
Fri 16th December: Brighton & Hove Albion v Hull City (K.O 7.45 p.m)
Sat 17th December: Sheffield Wednesday v Ipswich Town (K.O 3.00 p.m)
