Hull v Leeds - PREVIEW

Well…It is finally here. Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated match that has been played at the KC. Tomorrow, we will see Yorkshire rivals meet when Hull City host visitors Leeds United. Leeds are chasing automatic promotion where as three points for the Tigers would all but secure survival and Championship football next season.

Vital Quotes:

Hull City Team News:

Stuart Elliott and Alan Rogers have recovered from injuries that kept them out of last weeks draw at Ipswich Town. That means that either Kevin Ellison or Andy Dawson may lose out.

New loan signing Rui marques is ineligible to play, an agreement that was made between the Tigers and Leeds United as part of the loan deal. That means Delaney will more than likely return to the back four to partner Leon Cort whilst John Welsh is expected to get the call to fill the midfield role.

Ben Burgess has returned to full fitness but this match has come too quickly for the player to be considered for. Up-front, Taylor has an abundance of options, with the most likely pairing being Parkin and Duffy.

The only other change may come at right-back. Although Scotty Wiseman has played in that position over the past games, Taylor may opt to put in the more experienced Alton Thelwell.

Player to watch: Jon Parkin

It is hard to pick anyone else out but Jon Parkin will be a threat on Saturday. His strength and power will cause the Leeds defence problem, and if he can bring others into the game, City may have a chance of coming away from this game with something to cheer about.

Leeds United Team News:

Leeds have no fresh injury doubts after their 0-0 draw with Stoke last week.

Sean Gregan returned to partner Paul Butler in the defence and that looks like it will continue at the KC. The only changes for Leeds may be up-front.

Having struggled for goals in recent weeks, Blackwell isn’t short of options up-front and can choose from any of Cresswell, Hulse, Healy, Blake or Beckford when the teams meet tomorrow.

Player to watch: The Strikers

Leeds have the best set of strikers in the Championship. Most teams have two main strikers but Leeds have four, all capable of scoring 15 goals a season. Any of these strikers would walk into any Championship team and the likes of Healy and Hulse have the ability to make it at a higher level.

Cort and Delaney are going to have a tough day, but if we can keep the strikers quiet we have got half-way to beating Leeds.

Match Facts & Stats

Hull City Vs Leeds Utd when played in Hull (including Leeds City to
1919)

Played: 29
City Won: 16
Drawn: 6
Leeds Won: 7
Goals For: 49
Goals Against: 34

Or if you’re not including Leeds City

Played: 18
City Won: 9
Drawn: 3
Leeds Won: 6
Goals For: 29
Goals Against: 25

Earlier on in the season, Leeds defeated Hull City 2-0 with both goals being scored by on-loan Blackburn Rovers midfielder Jonathan Douglas.

The last match at the KC was a pre-season friendly where goals from Ben Burgess and the now departed Danny Allsopp secured a 2-0 win for the Tigers.

Ref Watch:

Saturday’s match officials

E L ILDERTON
M Short and M L Short
Fourth Official : C A Barker

Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)

Eddie started refereeing in 1991 and moved through the northern leagues before being promoted to the national list of referees in 2002. He has been assistant referee in the divisional Play-Offs and at the FA Youth Cup Final in 2002.

Match Prediction:

A derby game puts form out of the window. Leeds need the points for promotion where as City need them for survival. Leeds have a team full of ‘stars’ but providing the Tigers don’t stand off and watch then we have a chance.

I can’t predict a Leeds United win so I will have to say a 2-0 victory for the Tigers – just like the last time we met at the KC!