The waiting is finaly over, the replica shirts are being given a last wash & iron, season Tickets are frantically being searched for in the kitchen draw, lifts are being arranged with mates. Yes, thats right folks, the opening day of the Coca Cola Championship is upon us.
The Tigers have been given a tricky assignment away to former Premiership side West Bromwich Albion, Bryan Robson, John Hartson and all.
Vital Quotes:
West Brom Team News:
Albion have so far managed to retain the bulk of the squad who played in the Premiership last season, despite a lot of the big clubs putting in offers left right and centre, indeed just yesterday they turned down a £2.5m bid from Man Utd for their goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
With the addition of John Hartson from Celtic & Charlton’s Chris Perry,as well as possibly Danny Shitu from QPR, they certainly wont be lacking in quality or experience.
A look through their squad list reveals a plethero of talent, Jonathan Greening, Zoltan Gera, Steve Watson, Nathan Ellington, Ronnie Wallwork, Tomasz Kuszczak, Junichi Inamoto, John Hartson & Jason Koumas
You would expect the majority of these players to be in the starting line up at the Hawthorns, so the task ahead of the Tigers is, as you can see a formiddable one.
Hartson is expected to line up alongside Nathan Ellington in a new look strike force, with the other new signing Perry teaming up in central defence with captain Curtis Davies. The midfield should see Greening, Gera, Wallwork & Quashie all make the starting line up.
West Brom from:Kuszczak, Zuberbuhler, Watson, Albrechtsen, Robinson, Perry, Davies, Greening, Gera, Inamoto, Wallwork, Quashie, Chaplow, Carter, Ellington, Hartson.
Player to watch: John Hartson
Experienced Welsh international Hartson will provide the spark up front, his ability to hold up the ball and bring the midfield into play will be a big plus for the Baggies. With this being his home debut, he will almost certainly be looking for a goal to win over the Albion faithful.
Hull City Team News:
New Tigers boss Phil Parkinson has been busy in the Transfer market this summer sealing the purchases of Dean Marney from spurs, Sam Ricketts from Swansea, Brentford Defender Michael Turner & Dave Livermore from Leeds. The first three should all be available for the game , but Livermore has a slight knock and is doubtfull.
With defender Leon Cort leaving for Crystal Palce, the Tigers will have a new look defence with Turner expected to line up alongside Damien Delaney(if fit) and Sam Ricketts slotting in at right back opposite Andy Dawson on the left. Sam Collins and Alton Thelwell will be waiting to step in should any of them not make it.
The Midfield will provide the Tigers with a selection problem with plenty of players putting their case across in pre season. It is widely expected that Parkinson will start with new boy Dean Marney & John Welsh in the centre with Northern Ireland international Stuart Elliot on the left and Craig Fagan on the right.
Like the midfield, the strikers option is not very clearer either, with 4 players battling it out for a place in the starting line up. The expected striker pairing should be Darryl Duffy and possibly Billy Paynter, though the likes of the returning Nick Barmby may have a say in the matter.
Hull City from:Myhill, Aspden, Ricketts, Thelwell, Dawson, Turner, Collins, Delaney, Fagan, Welsh, Marney, Elliot, Andrews, Barmby, Duffy, Paynter, Burgess.
Player to watch: Dean Marney
The new recruit from Spurs has impressed everyone in pre season with his intelligent attacking running and passing. A natural goalscorer, he will allow Welsh to sit in behind him and do what he does best, pass the ball to the midfielders. whilst Marney pushes up and puts pressure on the opposition defence.
Match Facts & Stats
This will be the 42nd meeting between the two clubs with City holding the upper hand having won 15 matches to West Brom’s 14, with the other 12 being draws.
Throughout the records this fixture has been kind to the home team with Albion winning 10 games at the Hawthorns to Hull’s 3, and City winning 12 at home to West Brom’s 4.
The last six fixtures between the clubs has resulted in three wins for the Baggies, one for the Tigers and two draws.
Ref Watch:
Lee Probert – Gloucestershires Mr Probert was extremely card happy last season, in a total of 40 games the official handed out a total of 127 yellow cards and 8 red. It could be a busy afternoon for the match officials.
Match Prediction:
A tough encounter for the Tigers as they look to build on last seasons 18th place finish, A draw would be considered an excellent result for them, though past history says a West Brom win.
I am going to make myself unpopular and say a win for the Albion by the odd goal in three.
Next Fixtures:
Hull City v Barnsley – Tuesday August 8th K.O 7.45pm
Cardiff v West Brom – Tuesday August 8th K.O 7.45pm
At last!!! We’re almost here. Can’t wait!!!
Come on City!! A draw would be brilliant!
Yipeeeeeeeee, were finally here, 7 hours to kick off.