Following Hull City’s impressive 2-0 victory against Manchester United at the weekend, focus now shifts to the next stage of the Carabao Cup.
The Tigers make the journey to face Championship outfit Stoke City with the aim of progressing to round three for the first occasion since their League One championship triumph in 2020.
Manager Sergej Jakirovic will head to the Potteries contending with several fitness problems, and he is expected to make numerous alterations to the team that delivered such a strong display against United, particularly given the significant upcoming fixture at Coventry City’s CBS Arena this weekend.
Already missing Charlie Hughes, Joe Gelhardt, and Oscar Zambrano through injury, Hull saw goalscorers Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy pick up problems just after the hour mark, before Lewie Coyle was compelled to depart shortly afterward. While Mendy and Ajayi are not believed to be seriously affected, it seems improbable they will be risked.
A number of recent acquisitions are poised to feature from the outset at the bet365 Stadium, though the club’s limited options in forward areas have been glaringly evident in recent matches. This situation could see Tyrell Sellars-Fleming handed an infrequent opportunity to lead the attack, with Jakirovic likely to give Oli McBurnie a break. Alternatively, the manager might utilise Liam Millar or David Akintola in an unfamiliar striking role. Matt Crooks could even operate as a centre-forward with supporting players positioned around him.
Due to Jack Butland’s injury issue, Dillon Phillips may be given the nod between the posts, with Matt Targett and Cody Drameh filling the left and right defensive positions respectively. Should Jakirovic revert to a four-man backline, Paddy McNair and Lucas Herrington could be preferred in the central defensive positions.
Summer arrival Lucas Gourna-Douath appears set for his first start in the middle of the pitch, where Jens Hjerto-Dahl and Kieran Dowell could also be introduced to the lineup. After an encouraging substitute appearance on Saturday, Canadian wide player Liam Millar is anticipated to begin the match in some capacity.
Jakirovic will also be hoping summer signing Hidemasa Morita is sufficiently match-fit to gain some game time from the substitutes’ bench against Mark Robins’ side, as he seeks his first experience of English football.
Hull’s anticipated lineup to face Stoke City: Phillips; Targett, Herrington, McNair, Drameh, Gourna-Douath, Hjerto-Dahl, Dowell, Millar, Sellars-Fleming, Omur.