After failing to make use of the chance to defeat fellow strugglers Leicester City in the domestic league last weekend, Hull City have yet another chance of moving out of the drop zone when they welcome Paul Clement’s Swansea to the KCOM this weekend. The Swans have looked confident in the last few games and have picked up 6 points from the last three games to move to 16th place in the points table.
Hull City will not get too many chances to play teams around them in the points table after this, so it is important for them to make sure that they can at least take a point, if not more from this tie. The Tigers are still 4 points off safety at the moment and a loss in this game can push them further down the table. Hence, Marco Silva is expected to play his strongest side and here is the predicted lineup that he might field for this tie:
Hull City Team News:
Curtis Davies, Michael Dawson and Ryan Mason remain long term injuries for the Tigers ahead of this game. Dieumerci Mbokani is set to be out for six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the game against Burnley. A few other fringe players are also doubtful for this game but the manager will have most of his first team stars fit and available for selection this weekend.
Expected West Ham Line Up:
Formation: 4-3-3
Eldin Jakupovic (GK):
Though not at his best in the previous game, Jakupovic has usually been in good form for the Tigers this season and should keep his place in between the sticks.
Ahmed el Mohamady(RB):
The reliable Mohamady had a superb outing against the English champions in the previous game and should retain his place at right back for this game.
Andrea Ronocchia (CB):
The summer buy for Marco Silva, Ranocchia has been splendid at the heart of the defence for Hull recently and he will hope to have a good game against the likes of Llorente in this game.
Harry Maguire (CB):
Arguably the most impressive defender for Hull in the previous game, Maguire will have his work cut out this weekend against a Swansea City side that has found some nice form going into the business end of the campaign.
Andrew Robertson (LB):
Another player who did not deserve to be on the losing side last weekend, Robertson will hope that his team can put in a better performance this weekend over Swansea.
Tom Huddlestone (CDM):
Had a terrible night at the King Power as he failed to contain the Foxes before scoring an own goal. But he should put everything behind him when he takes the pitch for this game.
Lazar Markovic (RW):
Steadily growing into an important player for Hull. Markovic, on loan from Liverpool, has been exciting in the last few games but the manager will need more from him if he is to cement a place in the starting XI.
David Meyler (CM):
The only change from the previous game that Silva is expected to make for this tie is to get Meyler in for N’Diaye to add some spark to the midfield for his side.
Samuel Clucas (CM):
He was the goal scorer for Hull in the previous game and is an important part of the squad at the moment. He will have to be at his best if Hull are to take anything away from this game.
Kamil Grosicki (LW):
The 28-year old Polish winger was one of the best players for the Tigers in the game at King Power last week and he will have to put in a similar performance against Swansea as well at home.
Oumar Niasse (ST):
The star striker put in n excellent shift against Leicester City and he should lead the attack for his side ahead of Diomande and Abel Hernandez.