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Newcastle United take on Hull City at St James’ Park tomorrow, looking to bounce back after a 4-1 defeat to Leeds United.
Hull have enjoyed a great start to the season. They have beaten Manchester United and drawn with Chelsea and sit fourth in the Premier League table.
Who will come out on top in this battle?
Key Battles
Lewis Hall v Mohamed Belloumi
Belloumi has been outstanding for the Tigers, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
The Algerian scored both of Hull’s goals against Chelsea and was a menace for the 60 minutes he was on the pitch. He is fast and tricky and likes to cut inside on to his left foot.
After the defensive disaster against Leeds, Hall won’t want to be caught on the counter, so he will have to strike a balance between attack and defence.
Jacob Murphy v Ryan Giles
Jacob Murphy has taken a lot of stick for his performances of late, but with Anthony Elanga out, he can stake his claim on the right wing.
Murphy will likely use his pace to test Giles, but he is up against a man in form. Giles put in a man of the match performance against Chelsea and kept Pedro Neto quiet. He is also one of Hull’s creators and assisted Belloumi at Stamford Bridge.
Murphy will need to be at his best both offensively and defensively to win this battle.
The Tactical Battle
Matthias Jaissle was disappointed with his team’s intensity and physicality during the last game, when they were bullied by Leeds, and he will demand a response. He is likely to stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation and will want to see more aggression in the press.
Sergej Jakirovic is more pragmatic in his approach. His 5-4-1 has worked well for Hull, allowing them to sit in a block that absorbs pressure, before hitting the opposition on the counter.
Newcastle will have to be patient and try not to push too high too early.
Form Guide
On paper, there isn’t much between these two sides. Newcastle have won three of their last six games, while Hull have won two and drawn three of theirs.
However, Newcastle are low on confidence after the pasting from Leeds, while Hull are playing with the freedom that comes with belief.
Their head-to-head record is in Newcastle’s favour. The Magpies have won of their last seven meetings in the Premier League, with three draws and one win for Hull.
But as we know, the past counts for nothing in football.
Possible Newcastle XI
Horníček, Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Livramento, Steur, Miley, Barnes, Murphy, Willock, Wissa
Prediction
Newcastle 1-0 Hull
Newcastle need a positive reaction to the Leeds game, and they will be helped by a partisan home crowd. A lot of focus has been on the defensive issues, but they haven’t created much in attack either.
There won’t be much between these two teams, but I think Newcastle might just nick it.