On paper this looks one of the easier games of the season, but it certainly won’t be. Hull have had a good start and their win at Newcastle last week, where they came from behind twice to win 3-2, will have boosted their confidence. So we’ll need to be at the top of our game.
There are two selection dilemmas for Sam Allardyce. Guy Demel is fit and in some ways ought to be an automatic pick for right back, but Joey O’Brien is in great form and it would be very hard to leave him out. He could return to left back in place of Rat, but Rat was bought for a reason and he needs to get games if he is to build up an understanding with Matt Jarvis. I’d keep Joey at right back and tell Guy Demel he’ll be back when his form matches O’Brien’s.
The other dilemma is whether to drop Maiga for Vaz Te or Petric. For me it’s a no brainer that Vaz Te should start, but I still expect to see Maiga’s name on the teamsheet.
We need to get something out of this game. That may be stating the bleeding obvious, but our season needs a kick start. Let’s see if Ravel Morrison can put in another inspirational performance and spur us on the a victory.