PR: Hull City vs Sheffield United

THis preview is brought to you in continued partnership with Hull City OSC. Lee Dolman is this weekend’s reporter.

The Background
For those old enough to remember the games between these two clubs in the 70’s and 80’s they will know how ferocious the atmosphere will be tomorrow. We have met 72 times across all leagues (except the top flight) and many cup
competitions. United have won 32 and drawn 20. The Blades always brought huge support to Hull as we tumbled down and then rose back through the leagues together. Packed football special trains a mile long at Boothferry Halt.
THIS was the match we all looked forward to.

Heroes and Villians
Keith Edwards hero and villain. Billy Whitehurst a cult hero for both clubs. More recently Harry Maguire. Regan Slater and Tyler Smith are ex-Blades now Tigers.

Current Form
The Tigers are unbeaten at home this season versus The Blades who are winless away from home. The visitors are, however, unbeaten in 6 games.
Hull City ravaged by injuries, primarily to their attacking and creative players whereas United have a number of injuries in defence.

New Era and New Hope
Acun Ilicali has been true to his word in backing Shota Arveladze with another 4 signings on deadline day. We have a very exciting squad, well capable of making the playoffs. The City of Hull has embraced this New Era, Acun’s “Pollyanna” personality and some highly entertaining football in ever-increasing numbers. 20,000 are expected on Sunday.

Hull City has its mojo back, epitomised by Acun dropping in for a pre and post-match drink at the superb Botanic Inn. Check out the Botanics new mural of Boothferry Park.

The Match
Sunday’s result will not define our season, as I’m confident that when key players return, so too will our consistency. We need to take the game to United and test out their makeshift defence.
They will be keen to extend their 6 games unbeaten.

I’d love to see Tetteh make an impact tomorrow, as I’m pretty sure Oscar will be man marked.
It would be easier to pick a winning lottery line than our starting XI given so many new signings and injuries.
Here goes: Ingram; Coyle, Figueiredo, Greaves, Elder; Tufan, Slater, Jones; Oscar, Tetteh, Woods.

Prediction: Hull City 2v2 Sheffield United