The Tigers host second-place Middlesbrough on Friday evening in a real test of their promotion credentials
Sergej Jakirovic’s Hull City team selection is gradually becoming more and more challenging as he continues to get key players back fit and available.
City host Middlesbrough at the MKM Stadium on Friday night looking to return to winning ways on home soil after losing to Ipswich Town in their last outing in front of their own supporters, but will arrive full of confidence after coming from behind to win at Stoke City last weekend.
Jakirovic was able to call upon fit-again John Lundstram after a nine-game absence, and he must decide whether or not to recall the influential midfielder back into his starting XI, at the expense of Darko Gyabi. Mo Belloumi is also pushing for a start after coming off the bench and teeing up both goals at the bet365 Stadium, and he could well come in for Joel Ndala, who, along with Darko Gyabi, was withdrawn at half-time last weekend.
City improved massively when he made two changes at the break with Mo Belloumi and Kyle Joseph coming on down the flanks, and Matt Crooks dropping deeper alongside Regan Slater to help boss the midfield, and that formula must surely be in his mind again.
Charlie Hughes is expected to be available following the hamstring complaint that kept him out of the game in Staffordshire a week ago, and there could be places on the bench for Oli McBurnie and Liam Millar.
The City boss was guarded about whether or not the key duo will be involved on Friday night, with hints that they could make their long-awaited comebacks on Wednesday when Wrexham are the visitors to the MKM Stadium.
For Jakirovic, though, having a near-fully fit squad to pick from for the first time this season is a major, major boost and a luxury he’s yet to enjoy.
City’s predicted starting XI to face Boro: Pandur, Giles, Egan, Ajayi, Coyle, Slater, Lundstram, Belloumi, Gelhardt, Crooks, Destan.
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