Hull City begins its return to the Premier League this weekend, ninety-one days after securing promotion at Wembley Stadium in May.
The club’s first top-flight fixture since that memorable afternoon arrives this lunchtime when Manchester United visits the MKM Stadium for what promises to be a significant occasion in the club’s recent history.
The match has attracted considerable attention, with more than three hundred media representatives from around the world expected at the venue.
A capacity crowd is anticipated for the encounter, creating what should prove an memorable atmosphere for the season opener.
Several factors distinguish this particular fixture from an ordinary league match.
For Hull City, this represents the club’s first competitive game since the play-off semi-final first leg against Millwall, bringing a lengthy build-up to this afternoon’s action.
The opposition carries considerable weight, with Manchester United providing what many consider an appropriately demanding test for a newly-promoted side beginning its top-flight campaign.
Regarding team selection, Hull City appears likely to employ a defensive shape featuring three central defenders, with Mendy, Egan and Ajayi forming the defensive core.
Giles and Coyle are expected to operate as wing-backs in this system.
Morita has not recovered sufficiently to feature, having only resumed training recently.
New signing Tzolakis appears certain to start among the goalkeepers, while Mendy, Herrington, Stroud and Gourna-Douath are all contenders for involvement from the outset.
Charlie Hughes, Darko Gyabi, Elliot Matazo, Oscar Zambrano and Joe Gelhardt will not be available for selection this afternoon.
Manchester United’s preparations have been affected by absences, with Matthias De Ligt and Mason Mount ruled out of contention.
Benjamin Sesko and former Hull loanee Karl Darlow have been included in the travelling squad.
For the home side, Morita targets his first involvement since joining during the pre-season period, while Cody Drameh has recovered from a hamstring issue.
The match officials have been confirmed, with Darren England serving as referee, supported by assistants Scott Ledger and Akil Howson.
Chris Kavanagh takes the role of fourth official, while Michael Salisbury oversees VAR duties with Paul Howard assisting.
This afternoon’s fixture marks the beginning of Hull City’s thirty-eight-game Premier League season, with the club attempting to establish itself in the top division following its decade-long absence from that level.
The team faces considerable challenge in maintaining its status, with odds of 13/2 suggesting Manchester United enters as clear favourites, compared to the draw at 4/1 and United at 19/50.