Hull City Preview – Away, Oct 22

THE HORNET’S are on the road once more this Saturday as they visit the KC Stadium and Hull City.

It’s been a mediocre start to the campaign so far for the Tigers who sit 12th, a picture of inconsistency.

Nigel Pearson’s outfit have, like Watford, struggled for goals this campaign and are currently sat on just nine like the ‘Orns.

Strikers Aaron McLean and Matty Fryatt have proven themselves in the Championship whilst Dele Adebola is another vastly experienced striking option.

Leicester City loanee Martyn Waghorn adds another dimension having played under Pearson and alongside Fryatt at the King Power Stadium. Now an England U21 cap the former Sunderland youngster made his debut along with Watford’s own Marvin Sordell against Azerbijan.

Twelve goals from 26 starts whilst on loan in the Midlands prompted Leicester to splash £3m on ‘Waggy’ but he’s since found himself down the pecking order at City and now on-loan in Humberside.

Looking at the calibre of midfielder available to Pearson, the creation of chances shouldn’t be a problem either for the Tigers.

Irish youngster Robbie Brady who is currently on loan from Manchester United looks a handful whilst Cameron Stewart has already made a loan agreement from Old Trafford permanent.

The ex-Manchester United theme is one which runs deep in the Hull City squad with Joe Dudgeon, James Chester and Corry Evans also forming part of the former Red Devils group.

The trio arrived at the KC last season from United all for fairly nominal fees and have quickly established themselves in the Tigers side.

Wily old campaigner Nicky Barmby is still on the books and adds further creativity. Barmby has chipped in with one goal from nine appearances so far this season and even at 37 presents real danger going forward.

With the quality available to Pearson it shouldn’t be long before City are roaring up the league.

Waghorn and Evans are both available for selection once more following injury but Barmby and Martin Pusic are both losing their battles to bit fit.

Watford are without Stephen McGinn and Martin Taylor whilst Michael Kightly looks likey to miss out as well.

Kightly could well be replaced by Prince Buaben who impressed on his full league debut at Leicester though both Mark Yeates and Craig Forsyth are both pushing for re-calls.

Troy Deeney and Chris Iwelumo both came into the line-up at Leicester in a surprise move from Sean Dyche and could keep their places. Marvin Sordell will be looking to return.

Probable Line-ups:

Hull City: Basso; Rosenior, Hobbs, Chester, Dudgeon; Cairney, Evans, Koren (c), Brady; Fryatt & McLean.

Watford: Loach; Doyley, Mariappa, Mirfin, Dickinson; Deeeney, Hogg, Eustace (c), Yeates; Iwelumo & Garner.

Match Officials: (R) Mr G Sutton (AR’s) Mr C Akers & Mr T Peart (4th) Mr M Griffiths.