Hull City are high on confidence at the minute, beating Fulham on the opening day after coming from behind and then drawing away at Blackburn Rovers after again coming from behind.
Phil Brown's team have shown the world that they are going to make a fight for survival. Many Wigan fans will look at Hull and be reminded of the Latics' debut season.
|
Hull will surely be looking at how teams like Wigan, Bolton and Blackburn have adapted and sustained themselves in the best league in the world and think why not Hull City!
Of course the season is only just starting up but a solid start and hard work, a good season is in the offing.
Caleb Folan will stand a good chance of playing against his former club if Marlon King is ineligible from facing his parent team. Folan scored vital goals against Manchester City and Watford in the survival season for Wigan and should get a good reception from the away fans making the trip up north.
Steve Bruce got the first win of the new season at home to Notts County in the Carling Cup on Tuesday with Henri Camara and Amr Zaki both impressing up front.
A convincing 4-0 win should give the squad confidence going into Saturdays game. Rumours' surround Emile Heskey and his future at the club with Tottenham being linked with a move for the England striker.
If this happens then Mido or Chu-Young Park should link up with the club as deadline day fast approaches.
Hull will not be an easy game and players like Wilson Palacios and Lee Cattermole, who both impressed against Chelsea, will have to dominate midfield and give support to the defence and attack.
On the injury front Ryan Taylor should not be in the squad for the game as he is still recovering from injury as is long term absentee Erik Edman.
Jason Koumas is a doubt for the game but Olivier Kapo should return to the starting line up if Koumas fails to win his fitness battle. Paul Scharner could return as well as Chris Kirkland.
Predicted Line Up
GK- Kirkland, RB- Melchiot, CB- Boyce, CB- Scharner, LB- Figueroa,
RM- Valencia, CM- Palacios, CM- Cattermole, LM- Kapo,
FC- Zaki, FC- Heskey
Key Players for Hull City
Boaz Myhill - The American has found his feet at Hull and has really become a fans favourite. Can produce good saves and has a good future in the game.
Anthony Gardner - The former Tottenham centre back has signed a permanent deal with the club after originally signing on loan. Strong and quick, Gardner is a top defender who Phil Brown has down well to tie down to a long term contract.
Geovanni - The Brazilian was at Manchester City last season and scored the winner with a spectacular strike in the Manchester derby. Scored the equalizer against Fulham with another top strike. A danger from anywhere on the pitch.
Caleb Folan - We all know what Folan can do on his day. He is a real goal poacher and can be lethal in the area. Although he is still a raw talent, With the right progress he can become a top striker. Scored the winner against Fulham and will have to be watched.
Prediction
An away day victory could give the club a massive morale boost and it could be on the cards this weekend. A tough game with Latics edging it.
WAFC 2-1 HCFC
|
