City host struggling Pompey in the lunchtime kick-off at the MKM Stadium
Hull City are preparing for their third game in the past week and sixth since returning from the international break, with the Tigers taking on Portsmouth this weekend.
City‘s six-game unbeaten run, which had stood since beating Sheffield United before the last break, came to an end at Derby County on Tuesday when they were beaten 2-1 courtesy of a late defensive mishap.
The Tigers should have walked away from Pride Park, but with a point to back up their tremendous win at Norwich City last Saturday. However, it wasn’t to be, and now they must return to winning ways against a Pompey side that ended their three-game losing run with a draw at home to Wrexham on Wednesday.
Boss Sergej Jakirovic made two changes at Pride Park with Semi Ajayi and Cody Drameh coming in for Amir Hadziahmetovic and Lewie Coyle, with both of those dropping to the bench.
They may very well come back into the starting XI against the Blues, while Enis Destan could be given a first start up front. Destan has so far been restricted to appearances off the bench this season, but is edging closer to a full debut.
A possible start for Destan could well come at the expense of Kyle Joseph. The forward has shown no lack of willingness in recent weeks, especially since the loss of Oli McBurnie, but hasn’t found the net in the past seven games that he’s featured in and remains on two goals for the season.
In a positive twist, Mo Belloumi could be back in the squad having returned ot training on Thursday following a hamstring problem, and may well be involved.
The Tigers will still be without McBurnie, John Lundstram, Liam Millar and Kasey Palmer for the visit of the side they faced at Fratton Park on a nerve-shredding final day of last season.
City’s predicted XI: Pandur, Giles, Ajayi, Hughes, Coyle, Slater, Crooks, Drameh, Ndala, Gelhardt, Destan.
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