Hull City vs Stoke City
English Premier League.
Date: Saturday, 22nd October, 2016,
Kick-off at 15:00 UK
Venue: KCOM Stadium (Kingston upon Hull).
Hull City is on a six-game winless slide after opening the season with two straight wins. They have lost four straight games and is now settled at the 16th spot of the 20-team English top flight table, only a points above the bottom three relegation area.
The Tigers were crushed by AFC Bournemouth, 1-6, on the road at the Vitality Stadium last Saturday in the team's first game with Mike Phelan as the permanent manager, BBC Sport reported.
Phelan was announced as Hull City's official head coach on Oct. 13 after being the squad's caretaker manager in their first seven games this term.
However, the announcement did not do anything for the team to stop the Cherries from unloading six goals during their match. Ryan Mason scored the consolation goal for the Tigers.
Meanwhile, Stoke City earned their first win in the season after toppling cellar-dwelling side Sunderland, 2-0, at their home field of Bet365 Stadium also last Saturday, as per ESPN.
Welsh midfielder Joe Allen netted a brace to lead head coach Mark Hughes squad in getting their first victory this season after eight tries.
Allen opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a header off an assist from Marko Arnautovic. He then doubled the lead one minute into the first half injury time, as he slotted in a header pass from team captain Ryan Shawcross following a Stoke corner kick.
Allen had scored in three straight Premier League games, establishing himself as one of Coach Hughes premier offensive options this season.
Hull City v Stoke City: Head-to-Head Stats
The last two games here have ended in tight draws and the last time the teams played was at Stoke where Hull recorded a 2-1 victory. From Hull’s 7 matches at home versus Stoke this century, Hull only has 1 win with Stoke winning 3 times and 3 matches saw draws.
However, Hull City took a 2-1 win when the sides met at the Britannia Stadium for the League Cup fixture recently on September 2016. This was also the first Hull City win in 6 matches against Stoke City in all competitions.
Hull City v Stoke City: Prediction
There will hardly be anything in this game to separate the sides and we shouldn’t expect many goals as both teams will play out a midfield battle and throw caution to the air. A draw doesn’t really help either teams cause but this is something that may well occur.
Stoke actually have a great record here and we could look into the handicap market as our main bet for Stoke. Watch out for Marko Arnautovic for the away side that has been on good form lately and is great value to score during the match.
Hull City vs Stoke City: Betting Tips
Stoke City to win with handicap +1 at 2/5 (1.40)
Anytime Goal Scorer: Marko Arnautovic of Stoke City at 11/4 (3.75).
