Tonight, both Hull and Southampton look to bounce back from disappointing weekend results. Hull suffered their fourth successive defeat 3-1 at Reading, where as Southampton managed to concede 4 goals in the last twenty minutes to lose 4-3 at home to Leeds United. With these results meaning Hull have slipped into the relegation zone and Southampton out of the play-offs, who will be able to get their season back on track quicker ?
Vital Quotes:
Peter Taylor talking on the current league position:
‘We’ve all agreed that only we can get ourselves out of this. Nobody is going to give us anything, and so we have to work very, very hard to create a bit of luck, and we need to be committed as a team.’
Talking about Southampton:
‘Southampton have got very good players. They have a very exciting player in Theo Walcott who is only 16. They also have some players who have played in the Premiership and we know all about that.’
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Harry Redknapp on the game tonight:
‘It will be like a cup-tie for them. They will have 25-000 fans there and have a right go. Saturday was a blow, but the league is still very tight and there is everything to go for.’
Hull City Team News:
Peter Taylor has stated there are unlikely to be wholesale changes. Curtis Woodhouse, who missed the away game at Reading due to a family illness, is likely to be included back in the team, which would lead to the replacement of midfielder Stuart Green. Both Andy Dawson and Roland Edge remained injured, meaning Damien Delaney will continue his stint as a makeshift left back. There has been no disclosure as to whether new striker Billy Paynter will start, but many Tigers fans will be hoping he does start so we can see what our new boy can do. Keith Andrews is unlikely to be fit, but will hopefully make his comeback away at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
Player to watch: Nick Barmby
When City are on top, Nick runs the game. His passing and vision are still at the top of his game, and it is usually a case of hoping our attackers and midfielders can read his clever flicks. After scoring two in his last two, he will hopefully add a few more to his tally this season.
Southampton Team News:
Southampton are with their fair share of injuries also. Three of the first team in their last match against Leeds United have picked up knocks. Dennis Wise has suffered a knock to his thigh and will be going for a scan to asses any damage Marian Pahars, scorer of two goals in the weekend defeat, has picked up a knee injury and is likely to be out for up to two weeks. Defender Claus Lunderkvam has also suffered a knock, with the possibility of the big defender having fractured a rib. With a sudden surge of injuries hitting the South coast club, Redknapp has sought to bring in a few loan players, but has so far been unsuccesfull in his search. However, David Prutton will not be travelling to the KC as he has not yet recovered from an injury.
On a brighter note, Darren Powell has recovered from a slight knock and will be back in the squad to visit the KC. Matthew Oakley was also a doubt but should make the match.
Player to watch: Nigel Quashie
Can be a dominant player in midfield for Southampton. The Hull midfielders will have to keep him quiet, otherwise the game could be run by the experienced Scottish midfielder. A scorer at the weekend, he will be looking for another good performance, this time with a better end result.
Match Facts & Stats
From what was the fortress KC over the last two seasons, the Tigers have been disappointing at home. With only 2 wins from 9, the Tigers must start to win games at home if they are to survive.
Southampton haven’t been brilliant away from home, winning only 2 of 9, but also losing only 2 of 9.
In the last meeting between these two teams, little over a month ago at St Mary’s, the Tigers earned a point with a 79th minute equaliser from Kevin Ellison. The Southampton scorer on the day was an impressive efortt from midfielder Matt Oakley.
Ref Watch:
Unknown as of yet
Match Prediction:
I think this game may be close. I would like to see Billy Paynter start so he can get a full game with his new team, but with Southampton having the threat of players like Theo Walcott attacking our full-backs, they are going to be a real danger.
I think, like the result a little over a month ago, the Tigers will get a 1-1 draw, but am hopeful we can get a win. I don’t think we will be going home empty handed.
Next Fixtures:
The Championship:
Sat 26th Nov: Queens Park Rangers v Hull City (K.O 3 p.m)
Sat 26th Nov: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Southampton (K.O 12.30 p.m – Live on Sky)
