Two teams who have made contrasting starts to the new Premier League season will go head-to-head at the MKM Stadium on Saturday evening, as Hull City welcome Aston Villa to East Yorkshire.
The Tigers have enjoyed an impressive opening to their campaign, winning both of their first two league matches against Manchester United and Coventry City. Those results have given Hull early momentum and confidence as they look to establish themselves among the Premier League’s competitive sides.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, travel to the MKM Stadium still searching for their first points of the season. The visitors have suffered back-to-back defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal, placing added pressure on Unai Emery’s side to produce a positive response this weekend.
Hull will once again have to cope without several members of their squad. Jack Butland remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, while Oscar Zambrano, Elliot Matazo, Darko Gyabi and Charlie Hughes are also unavailable. Matt Crooks is considered doubtful due to a quad problem.
The hosts are expected to line up with Tzolakis in goal, behind a defence featuring Ajayi, Egan and Mendy. Coyle and Giles could operate in the wing-back positions, while Slater and Iroegbunam are likely to form the midfield partnership.
Aston Villa will be without suspended midfielder Joao Gomes, while Amadou Onana continues his recovery from an ACL injury. Johan Manzambi and Brian Madjo are also ruled out, but the visitors have no fresh injury concerns.
Villa’s predicted XI includes Suzuki in goal, with Cash, Lindelof, Torres and Ruggeri expected to form the defence. Kamara and Goretzka could anchor the midfield, while McGinn, Buendia and Mbaye support Jackson in attack.
With Hull flying high and Villa desperate to kick-start their season, Saturday’s contest promises to be an intriguing Premier League encounter.