PR: Hull City vs Coventry City

As always, it’s a rollercoaster being a Hull City fan. Many including myself were positive heading to the Hawthorns only to see that hope crumble. There were some positives to take from the game including the league’s top goal scorer playing in amber and black which has not happened in a long time. What also is ignored in the analysis of the game is the gulf between the teams not too long ago including a multi-million-pound line-up tied together with a manager with an almost expert knowledge of the Championship.

Coventry will offer an interesting proposition as they have played only two league games so far this season. This could lead to some issues many teams have ironed out in their opening games including players not gelling together on the pitch and a lack of match fitness. On the other hand, they will be determined to prove their worth as they are somewhat unfairly placed at the foot of the table. The Sky Blues have an interesting mix of experience and promising young talent in their squad. The team has seen very few changes over the summer to the side which comfortably sat midtable for much of last campaign.

In recent times this game wasn’t the first most people looked for when the fixtures were released. Usually, a low-scoring tight affair with the occasional needle to it. The game in particular that springs to the forefront of my memory is the mind-numbing 1-0 victory for City at home. Caleb Folan provided the winner moments from full-time on a cold Tuesday in January 2008. Much has changed since then but I still do not expect a thriller by any stretch.

Ryan Longman and Tyler Smith return to the squad which offers more attacking options. Going forward unusually not being an issue, particularly with the inform Óscar Estupiñán, although it still confuses many playing target man Benjamin Tetteh on the wing. Defensively there did not seem to be many glaringly obvious errors. A lack of concentration would account for some goals but this cannot be a regular feature or excuse, especially with clinical teams in the league. Woods will be expected to start this game and showed some great touches in a fairly quiet opening performance.

Positive news came this week in the form of another signing, however, Salah-Dddine Oulad M’Hand will be another on the treatment table (and another difficult one for me to pronounce on a Saturday afternoon for Beverley FM). If many at Arsenal rate him highly this could be a good sign especially as their academy has produced the likes of Saka and Smith-Rowe in recent years.

Expected XI: Ingram; Coyle, Figuerido, Greaves, Elder; Slater, A.Jones, Woods; Williams, Estupiñán, Tetteh.

Prediction: Hull City 1-0 Coventry (Tetteh)

Don’t forget to tune into Beverley FM on a Saturday 2.30-6 pm and Thursday 6-7 pm for all local sports including Hull City.

Simon Bromwich (for Beverley FM Sport and Hull City OSC)