Premier League Preview: Hull

Last Season: 16th

Pre-Season Prediction: 17th - Enjoy their Europa League experience they might but their toils abroad will leave them scrapping at the bottom.

On the surface last season was a roaring success for the Tigers. A season spent mostly in the comfort of mid-table combined with an FA Cup final and qualification for the Europa League meant Steve Bruce lapped up the praise for his management in their first season back in the Premier League. Ultimately though the combination of a long league campaign alongside the cup run eventually left Hull languishing in 16th, just shy of the drop zone after a disappointing end to the season. This lapse of form does not bode well for the start of this season, with a probable European run on the cards.

Steve Bruce is a man who favours this side of the channel as shown by his high profile signings of Tom Huddlestone, Shane Long and Nikita Jelavic all from British clubs last year. This trend has continued into this summer as Hull have signed five players, all English or Scottish, both in nationality and previous club. The notable signings of Tom Ince and Robert Snodgrass provide flair and creativity in the wide areas whilst the permanent signing of Jake Livermore after an assured season on loan looks a wise piece of business. Harry Maguire has arrived from Sheffield United whilst the highly thought of Andrew Robertson has hopped over Hadrian's Wall to join from Dundee United.

With nineteen members of the current team stemming from Britain or Ireland, Bruce has established a core of home-grown talent, even if none of them actually stem from Hull's own academy. For a club or their size and with their wage capacity they have a well-balanced and compact squad. Bruce has already bought well to strengthen areas lacking depth but another central-defender may be required if he opts to continue sometimes playing with three at the back. Although Bruce, Chester and Davies make for a solid outfit, an injury to one or two of them would leave Hull well short of quality.

Pre-season friendlies were hardly of the most challenging nature, taking on the likes of Harrogate, York and Barnsley but they remain unbeaten and, in reality, were far more focused on their third round Europa League clash with FK Trenchin, which they won 2-1 on aggregate. Friendlies and European ventures combined Hull are unbeaten in six and will be feeling confident heading into their opening day fixture with newly promoted QPR.

Steve Bruce is an established top division manager but has really excelled up in Hull. Last year was a challenge but was completed with ease. This year takes the north-eastern team to the next level but brings up a whole new set of challenges that Bruce and his boys will relish. If they get into Europe through their final Europa League qualifying match then they may struggle over the opening half of the season. They will need to get some results in the opening few fixtures and in the second half of the season if they are to survive but with Bruce leading the troops, they should stay up by the skin of their teeth.

Key Man: Curtis Davies - Despite only having been at the club for a season, Davies is the most important figure in this largely British contingent. Captain of the side and defensive linchpin, Davies helps ensure both the back three/four are well structured and organised, as well as holding great influence over the rest of the team. Never one to shy from a tackle, Davies is built in the image of his manager, an old-school bruising defender who is also dangerous from set-pieces. The captain nabbed two goals last season and will be hoping to add to his tally in the coming campaign.

One to Watch: Andrew Robertson - Robertson may arrive from Dundee as a relatively unknown name but the likelihood is that things will be very different come the end of the season. After spending just one season in the top flight of Scottish football, Robertson claimed the SPFA Young Player of the Year, as well as making the SPFA Team of the Year. A quite remarkable feat from a youngster who spent the season before in the Third Division with Queen's Park. Often compared to Luke Shaw, Robertson will be one to pay very close attention to, especially later in the season once he adapts to his new surroundings.

Best Summer Signing: Tom Ince - Both Ince and Snodgrass will provide flair on the wings that was perhaps lacking in Bruce's side last season. Snodgrass has been around for a while but Ince has been on the lips of football enthusiasts for a few years now. Excitement stemmed from his 2012-13 season with Blackpool when he was named the PFA Young Player of the Year and put in the PFA Team of the year, similar to Robertson. He showed flashes of talent last year during the loan spell at Crystal Palace but now in his first full season in the top flight, how much will the talented youngster excel? Expect fireworks from the feet of the young Englishman.

Boxing Day Victory for Fortunate United

Manchester United came back from 2-0 down to defeat Hull City 3-2 at the KC Stadium in an encounter lacking much festive cheer.

United, looking to win their fifth consecutive game in all competitions, started poorly conceding two goals within the opening twelve minutes, a corner converted by James Chester followed by a deflected goal for David Meyler.

Chester sends Hull into an early lead.

However, United hit back through a Smalling header before Rooney equalised on the 26 minute mark, burying from outside the box. United's Boxing Day sucker punch came in the 66th minute through a Chester own goal. Antonia Valencia was sent off with minutes to go for receiving a second yellow card.

Hull started the game at breakneck speed, scoring withing four minutes from a controversially awarded corner. Huddlestone's deep delivery was headed back across goal by Bruce before his centre-back partner James Chester jabbed in for the opening goal.

United showed little signs of recovery and  Hull struck again less than ten minutes later. David Meyler pounced first on a loose ball to fire a shot into the back of the net, courtesy of a deflection off of Jonny Evans.

Rooney scores a wonderful half volley

The second goal was the kick in the teeth that United needed. They began to take more control of the game, a glancing header from Valencia flashing past the far post. It didn't take long for them to get a foothold in the game, with Chris Smalling rising to head home a Wayne Rooney free-kick.

Tom Cleverley then went close with a curling effort as United ramped up the pressure. Soon after they struck, Rooney latching onto a loose ball before striking a half-volley past McGregor from outside the box.

The early pace of the game began to decline and the remainder of the first half passed by largely uneventfully, players perhaps feelings the effects of the previous days festivities.

United emerged after the interval full of festive fluidity, pressing Hull in their own half.  However, Hull's centre backs continued to trouble United's defence, Curtis Davies heading narrowly wide from a corner.

The welcome return of Darren Fletcher to the United starting line-up for the first time in over a year was a boost as he controlled the midfield, looking neat and tidy in possession. He received a standing ovation from both sets of supporters as he departed for Hernandez mid-way through the second half.

A despairing Chester heads into his own net.

United were lucky to survive going behind for a second time, again defending poorly from a corner as Alex Bruce thundered a header against the crossbar. However, United completed the comeback minutes later, a distraught James Chester heading the ball past substitute keeper Harper after Young produced a dangerous cross from the right wing.

Hull pressed for an equaliser of their own, the goal-shy Danny Graham heading into the arms of De Gea at the far post. Moments later De Gea was lucky to not concede as he flapped at a long ball. The game ended more fiery than a Christmas pudding, Antonio Valencia receiving his marching orders for rashly kicking the ball away after conceding a free kick.

Chester should have made amends for his own goal, lashing a one-on-one straight at De Gea in the dying moments before Bruce pulled a shot wide from inside the box for the final attack of the game.

The victory sees United move to within four points of the top four as they travel to Norwich at the weekend, Moyes stating after the game that he believes they can challenge for the title. On the other hand, Hull remain 12th as the teams around them also lose on a busy boxing day. Hull entertain a rejuvenated Fulham at the weekend as they seek to remain clear of the relegation zone.

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.