Hull City start the new year with an away day trip to local rivals Sheffield Wednesday. Many City fans would have expected Wednesday to be with the Tigers in the relegation battle but since the arrival of former Scunthorpe manager Brian Laws, the Sheffield club now find themselves chasing the play-offs.
Following the Tigers 2-0 win over Burnley, Phil Brown’s team now lie two points from safety following Sheffield Wednesday’s win over Barnsley. If results go the right way, City may find themselves out of the relegation zone as by 5 p.m
Vital Quotes:
Sheffield Wednesday Team News:
Sheffield Wednesday look set to be unchanged from the side that recorded victories over Stoke city and then Barnsley yesterday.
Player to watch: Glenn Whelan
The Wednesday midfielder has been the driving force behind their surge up the Championship table. The midfielder has been able to add goals to his game and he now looks a threat going forward whilst also being solid defensively. The City midfield must make sure that Whelan isn’t allowed the time to dictate the play at Hillsbrough tomorrow.
Hull City Team News:
Hull City also look set to name an unchanged side from the one that beat Burnley yesterday.
Danny Coles remains suspended meaning Michael Turner will continue in his absence. Dean Marney and Damien Delaney both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season against Burnley but both are eligible for this fixture, instead missing next Saturday’s cup game against Middlesbrough.
Player to watch: Nick Barmby
The former England start usually saves his spectacular goals for Hillsbrough. The striker has scored three in his last two visits and the City fans will be hoping he can once again produce a bit of magic to send the Tigers fans home happy.
Match Facts & Stats
As usual, the stats are provided by Rabid Rob.
Hull City – Sheffield Wednesday
All matches
Played: 42
Won: 8
Drawn: 16
Lost: 18
Goals For: 47
Goals Against: 76
Matches at Hillsborough
Played: 21
Won: 2
Drawn: 6
Lost: 13
Goals For: 22
Goals Against: 53
Best result at Hillsborough
08/12/2004 Sheffield Wednesday 2 HCFC 4
Keane, Barmby 2, Allsopp.
Attn: 28,701
Worst result at Hillsborough
01/03/1952 Sheffield Wednesday 6 HCFC 0
Attn: 41,832
Ref Watch:
Referee: M Atkinson
Assistant Referee’s: G Atkins and N Bannister
Fourth Official : A Haines
Match Prediction:
A few months ago, City fans would have felt they had a strong chance of walking away from Sheffield with all three points. Earlier in the season, City managed to record a 2-1 victory thanks to two goals from Jon Parkin.
However, since then, the two clubs have moved in different directions. With the arrival of new manager Brian Laws, Sheffield Wednesday have started to look a much stronger Championship team.
A draw may be a good result for the traveling Tigers.
Vital Hull prediction: Sheff Wed 1-1 Hull City
Next Fixtures:
F.A Cup Round 3:
06.01.2007: Hull City v Middlesbrough (3 p.m)
The stats are against us, but we believe we can get all three points. So come on City give us fans a great start to 2007.
Should be a decent crowd and a decent game.
come on the city…….
Lets give it to them and just attack, cos defending ain’t in our interests. Up and at ’em boys!!!!!
Barmby strikes again, I’m starting to think we may just get out of this now!