Premier League Preview: Hull

Hull are a tough team to predict for me. I didn't see a lot of them last season and don't know large quantities of their squad. That said, what does convince me is the manager Steve Bruce. A man with a wealth of Premier League experience, if anyone can keep Hull up it's Bruce.

Their summer business has been kept relatively quiet but they have brought fairly wisely. Maynor Figueroa in particular has played in the Premier League for a number of years with Wigan as well as Steve Harper, who left Newcastle last season after spending twenty years with the club. Many are saying that the loan signing of Danny Graham has 'solved' Hull's striker problem but I disagree. Graham is out of form at the moment and I don't see him as a key man in any Premier League side.

Like their promoted compatriots Palace and Cardiff, Hull are in for a rough season. I believe Bruce has the steel and know-how to get Hull clear of relegation, but I still don't see it happening. Hull need more squad depth and a few more players with Premier League experience, especially in the League this year, where plenty of the relegation candidates from last year have bought strongly in the transfer market.


Key Man: Robert Koren - The captain and top scorer last season will be hugely important in Hull's push for safety. A consistent performer and influential midfielder, Koren has a history in the Premier League with West Brom and will be once again looking to show his unquestionable ability on the big stage.


One to Watch: Sone Aluko - Aluko, a free transfer from Rangers at the start of last season, missed large portions of the season through injury but was influential in the games he played. The Championship Player of the Month in November, Aluko will be looking to replicate that form this year and, if he can remain injury free, will be a vital player in the battle to avoid relegation.

Best Summer Signing: Yannick Sagbo - A relative unknown but built in a similar mold to Christian Benteke, he gives Hull a bit more variety up front. A tall, powerful striker, Bruce will be looking for Sagbo to strike a strong partnership with either Aluko or Graham to help solve Hull's striker problem..

Last Season: 2nd (Championship, Promoted)

Pre-Season Prediction: 19th - No disrespect to Hull but I don't think they have the ability to claw their way out of relegation.. I would like them to prove me wrong though.