City head to South East London looking for an away win to send them to the play-off final
Sergej Jakirovic has plenty to consider ahead of the second leg(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Boss Sergej Jakirovic will take his Hull City side to Millwall for the second time this season on Monday night, knowing victory sends the Tigers into the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Neither side could be separated during Friday night’s first leg stalemate at the MKM Stadium, but however long it takes, there will be a winner decided at The Den.
Jakirovic opted to name an unchanged side against the Lions, keeping faith with the starting eleven that came from behind to beat Norwich City on the final day of the regular season and set up their semi-final with Alex Neil’s side.
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Given the tight turnaround from Friday’s game, Jakirovic may well opt to freshen things up, especially with the very real possibility that the game could go to extra time and then penalties. His bench will play a huge part as the night wears on.
Yu Hirakawa came off the bench and had a positive impact in the second half, creating a chance for Oli McBurnie, while Kyle Joseph will be pushing for a return to the starting line-up.
Joseph spearheaded the attack with a brace at The Den in December, with Oli McBurnie only fit enough to be on the bench after returning from injury, though he did come off the bench to score the third in a commanding victory.
The former Blackpool striker’s pressing and energy could be a real asset to City away from home, especially away from home, and that may well be a consideration for Jakirovic when he sets out the masterplan he hopes will secure a place at Wembley.
Jakirovic will also be mindful that he has so many players still feeling their way back from injury, like Ryan Giles, Charlie Hughes and Regan Slater; he may also opt to bring in fresh bodies and minds for a game where his side will come under heavy pressure, but also know there’s a long period of time before the final, should the Tigers make it that far, and therefore will call on his players for one big push.
City’s predicted starting XI: Pandur, Giles, Egan, Hughes, Coyle (c), Crooks, Slater, Millar, Joseph, Belloumi, McBurnie.
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