Hull City play host to Sheffield United on Friday evening still looking for their first victory of the new Championship campaign.
In sharp contrast, the visitors have defied a points deduction at the beginning of the season to resume after the international break in sixth position in the standings.
Match preview
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After Hull made the decision to part ways with Liam Rosenior in the summer, Hull fans are yet to be convinced that it was the right decision.
Just three points have been accumulated from Tim Walter's first four games in charge, albeit their only defeat coming away at Leeds United.
The Tigers commenced the season with successive draws against Bristol City, Plymouth Argyle and Millwall, matches in which they were favourites to prevail.
What will be most concerning for Walter is the lack of goals, with one of their two strikes a last-gasp penalty in the opening match of the season.
Adding the likes of Kasey Palmer and Abu Kamara to their ranks may aid that cause, yet Walter will just want a win by any means at this stage as Hull bid to kick-start what is supposed to be another year challenging for Premier League promotion.
That is also what is expected from Sheffield United who made an array of shrewd additions since their dismal effort in the top flight during 2023-24.
Having started on -2 points courtesy of breaching financial regulations, Chris Wilder and the Blades will be delighted to be sitting in sixth place.
Letting slip a two-goal lead against Queens Park Rangers at Bramall Lane was a considerable disappointment, but they were able to bounce back with a draw at Norwich City and 1-0 victory over a side in Watford who had won their first three league fixtures.
With victory on Friday, Sheffield United would catapult themselves into second spot, which would send a statement to their rivals with Wilder having seemingly put together a squad that has the strength-in-depth to challenge for the title.
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Team News
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With Palmer having been on international duty with Jamaica, the playmaker may have to wait for his first start in a Hull shirt.
Chris Bedia may retain his spot in attack ahead of Mason Burstow, while Steven Alzate could be selected on the substitutes' bench if deemed match fit.
Xavier Simons could return in the engine room, but Walter may be against making many changes, if any, to his starting lineup.
Wilder must make a decision on forward Kieffer Moore, who started for Wales against Montenegro in difficult conditions as recently as Monday evening.
Rhian Brewster and Tyrese Campbell are both on standby to deputise for the forward, while Jamie Shackleton is an option to replace Alfie Gilchrist at right-back.
Hull City possible starting lineup:
Pandur; Coyle, Jones, McLoughlin, Giles; Zambrano; Omur, Slater, Mehlem, Millar; Bedia
Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Cooper; Gilchrist, Souttar, Ahmedhodzic, Burrows; Rak-Sakyi, Souza, Arblaster, Hamer; O'Hare; Moore
We say: Hull City 1-2 Sheffield United
There is the feeling that Hull can only have benefitted from a break from action as they bid to find their feet under a new head coach. Nevertheless, Sheffield United are one of the title favourites for a reason, and we are backing the Blades to grind out a hard-earned victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
