Middlesbrough v Hull Preview

There’s no getting away from the fact that both of these teams have severely underachieved this season and for that reason, this promises to be an interesting fixture. Big spenders Middlesbrough still haven’t got going and now sit in the relegation zone on seventeen points, while opponents Hull aren’t fairing much better and sit just four points and three places higher.

Many people thought that as soon as Tony Mowbray took over at Middlesbrough, he’d completely revive the club’s fortunes. However, that hasn’t been the case at all and while Boro have picked up the odd good result under their new manager, they are still in the relegation zone having picked up a dismal seventeen points from the opening eighteen games. The severity of their position certainly shouldn’t be undermined even though it’s still early days as well. As it stands, they are three points adrift of safety yet should results go against them, that margin could be doubled this weekend. They head into this game on the back of two consecutive defeats and there are growing doubts as to whether or not any of the players that predecessor Gordon Strachan brought in are actually up to the task.

There’s no getting away from the fact that Hull are underachieving, but in comparison to Middlesbrough the KC Stadium outfit are penniless. Still, their supporters will expect at least a top half finish and will not be satisfied with their position of 19th. On the positive side, Nigel Pearson’s men do seem to be improving and they’ve managed seven points from their last three games following a draw at Leeds and victories over Preston and Ipswich. Those results have certainly given Pearson something to build on but just four points separate them from the bottom three and considering the size of the club, there’s no doubt that they need to move away from that zone as quickly as possible.

It’s mixed news on the team news front for the home side who could be without Gary O’Neil as he struggles with a knee complaint. However, Danny Coyne is available again although Tony Mowbray has to decide whether or not to throw the experienced shot stopper straight back in after good performances from deputy Jason Steele. Nigel Pearson meanwhile has Jay Simpson and Paul McShane back in contention after the duo recovered from chest and hamstring problems respectively. However, Pearson will have to make a late decision on Daniel Ayala who is struggling with a hamstring strain.

Middlesbrough may hold the home advantage here, but Tony Mowbray’s men haven’t showed any signs of improvement in recent weeks while Hull have strung together some decent results. With that, we’ll predict a narrow 1-0 victory for the Tigers.

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