Hull v Luton – Preview

At the end of the 2004/05 season, Luton Town and Hull City were both promoted to the Championship, but both have had different fortunes since arriving. Luton have acclimatised well where as Hull City have struggled to cope with the step up. Tuesday night will see the latest meeting between the two teams, and with Hull City bottom of the league, nothing less than a win will keep the pressure off Parkinson’s shoulders.

Vital Quotes:

Hull City Team News:

After a disappointing defeat away at Burnley, Phil Parkinson may change his side for this latest Championship fixture.

Alton Thelwell, who was replaced at half-time in the fixture at Burnley may be replaced by Danny Coles with Danny Mills moving to a more natural right-back position. Dean Marney’s awful performance means John Welsh may be poised for a comeback in the centre of the park alongside Ian Ashbee.

Up-front, Nicky Forster is pushing for a starting place whilst Stuart Elliott may also be in contention. Nick Barmby and Stephen McPhee remain sidelined.

Damien Delaney may be in contention for a starting place after forty-five minutes of reserve football last week.

Player to watch: Mark Yeates

The left winger, along with Craig Fagan, was one of only two players to show any promise away at Burnley. The tricky winger looked good when running with the ball and his supply may prove vital if the club are going to move away from the bottom of the table.

Luton Town Team News:

Luton have injury worries ahead of tonight’s clash. Winger Lewis Emanuel will miss the fixture with a hamstring injury whilst Steve Robinson and Carlos Edwards will also be doubts for the game.

Newell will have to change his midfield with three of the four that won against Birmingham expected to be absent.

Player to watch: Rowan Vine

The striker has been in superb form and his brace on Saturday helped Luton overcome Birmingham City 3-2. The striker has led the line well following the sale of start striker Steve Howard to Derby County for £1 million.

Match Facts & Stats

Stats provided by ‘Rabid Rob’

All matches:
Played: 37
Won: 14
Drawn: 7
Lost: 16
Goals For: 54
Goals Against: 56

At home:
Played: 18
Won: 6
Drawn: 3
Lost: 9
Goals For: 26
Goals Against: 29

Best result; at home
05/05/1951
HCFC 5 Luton Town 3
Ackerman, Gerrie, Harrison, Revie, (og). Attn: 17,478

Worst result(s); at home
27/12/1954
HCFC 0 Luton Town 4
Attn:39,890

06/04/2002
HCFC 0 Luton Town 4
Attn: 9,379

Match Prediction:

With City needing the win and Parkinson wanting to prove the doubters wrong, the team must perform tonight, With Luton having injury problems in the midfield area, City have a real chance with walking away with some points. Providing the lively striker of Luton Town can be stopped and City don’t concede early, I can see us taking all three points.

Vital Hull prediction: Hull City 2 – 1 Luton Town

Next Fixtures:

Coca-Cola Championship:

Sat 21.10.06: Preston North End v Hull City (3 p.m)

Sat 21.10.06: Luton Town v Leeds United (3 p.m)