A turbulent and tumultuous pre-season resulted in the resignation of Steve Bruce following disagreements with the club’s owners and no incoming movement in the transfer market prior to a frantic last week which has seen Hull bring in six players before the transfer window closes.
Despite this desperate situation, interim manager Mike Phelan has masterminded a minor miracle so far this campaign.
A deserved opening day win against the champions was backed up with a classic smash and grab away victory at the Liberty Stadium. The Tigers would still be unbeaten had they not succumbed to an instinctive strike from flourishing youngster Marcus Rashford in the dying moments of their clash against Jose Mourinho’s title challengers.
Having been assistant manager at Old Trafford for five years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s trophy-laden era, Phelan is as familiar with ‘Fergie Time’ as anyone, but he will be immensely proud of the application that his players have exhibited in all of their contests so far.
The 53-year-old continues to distance himself from the permanent job, but he has delivered results on the pitch and kept to his promise of strengthening the squad with the club-record signing of Ryan Mason the standout deal.
Burnley vs. Hull City Match Preview
The Premier League season may only be three games in, but this has all the ingredients of a classic ‘six-pointer’. Both teams have shown encouraging signs following promotion from the Championship last year and will fancy their respective chances in this clash. If the Tigers can once again produce the resilience and spirit they have elicited to date, then another maximum haul on the road at 12/5 should provide sufficient temptation.
Injuries
Captain Michael Dawson is a notable absentee following knee ligament damage he sustained in pre-season. Fellow defender Alex Bruce and goalkeeper Allan McGregor will miss the majority of what remains of the calendar year with Achilles and back injuries respectively.
Hull City’s Star Players
Playmaker Tom Huddlestone is a player of proven Premier League quality and impressed during the 2014/15 season when the Tigers were relegated from the top-flight. Uruguayan Abel Hernandez who scored in the 0-2 win at the Liberty Stadium is their main goal threat having scored 20 goals last season as Hull earned promotion via the play-offs.
The remarkable rise of midfielder Sam Clucas has also been well documented following his man of the match performance against the champions on the opening day. It was just four years ago that the 25-year-old was beginning a new season in the Blue Square Conference with Hereford United.
Predicted Finish
Despite their superb start, the Tigers are overwhelming favourites to go straight back down with Bet365 odds for Hull to make an immediate return to life in the Championship currently at 4/5.
Top Goal Scorer
Uruguayan international Hernandez will carry the weight of being the main goal threat although expect Robert Snodgrass to chip in with the odd contribution. The 28-year-old will be looking to use his Premier League experience, as well as building on his fine hat-trick in Malta last weekend for his country.
History of Hull City
Hull City were founded in 1904 and it took them 110 years to reach the final of the FA Cup. Despite taking a two goal lead against Arsenal, the Tigers valiant efforts proved to be in vain as they lost by three goals to two after extra time. The 2008/09 season was historical for the club as it was their first ever season competing in the top tier of English football.
Managers
Peter Taylor – the man who made David Beckham England captain, led Hull to consecutive promotions in 2003-04 and 2004-05. It was current Southend United boss Phil Brown who bore the fruit of these foundations by becoming the first manager in the club’s history to elevate Hull into the top-flight from the Championship and then memorably kept the club in the Premier League on the last day of the season.
Key Games To Look Out For
Hull’s home game against Sunderland at the start of May grabs immediate attention as it could be the difference between them staying up and going down, dependent on how their campaign pans out.
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