Mitchell Whiley looks ahead to City’s first visit to the New York Stadium.
They say a sign of a good football side is one that can pick up points even when not playing to their full potential. Two consecutive wins in not-the-greatest performances has kept Hull City amongst the top spots in the table, but Steve Bruce’s men will need to continue on from where they left off in the final half an hour of the Reading tie, in which they did play well, if they are to take all three points from a visit to Rotherham United this weekend.
Second-last in the table and only two points above Bolton, Rotherham have had a season to forget thus far. With only four wins this season, against Bristol City, Leeds United, Birmingham City and Cardiff City, a visit from heavily-backed potential champions Hull City is the last thing Neil Redfearn would have wished for. One thing he will be wishing for, however, is for Jonson Clarke-Harris to net his sixth goal of the campaign, a season high for the club. He, along with Joe Newell who has four assists, look to be the greatest threat to Hull City’s defence. While defenders Stephen Kelly and Farrend Rawson return, fellow defender Frazer Richardson will miss the match through illness and Leon Best will undergo a final fitness test closer to kick off to determine as to whether he will be a part of Rotherham’s plans for the tie.
Hull City will most likely remained unchanged from the midweek comeback victory over Reading. The only possible change could see Chuba Akpom to the bench after throwing his gloves in anger due to being substituted late on in that match against Reading, and either Mo Diame or Adama Diomande may come into the starting side. However, Steve Bruce seemed understand Akpom’s frustrations, and although he did not approve, Bruce said it will not be made into a big issue and everyone involved will move on. Davies and Maguire look to partner up once again in the centre of defence, while Abel Hernandez will attempt to catch Andre Gray and Ross McCormack at the top of the scorers list; on eleven, they sit three above the Uruguayan. Keep an eye out for Andrew Robertson and Harry Maguire while on the ball in this one, as they’ve shown their love for getting forward during attacking plays and will look to continue that.
There are some interesting statistics to look at coming into this one. Although the Millers have lost nine of the previous twelve league games, they’ve won five and lost none of the previous six home league games against Hull City. Failing to score in only one away game this season, Hull City have scored in each of their last seven trips away from home, whereas Rotherham have scored in each of their previous eight home games, the longest home scoring run in the division. While the WDL record stands in favour of the Tigers at 25-18-24, the men in black and amber have won four of the last six against Rotherham, including three league cup victories.
Prediction: With both sides not enjoying a great run of form, the squad of Hull City will be too strong for Rotherham in a 0-2 victory.
@MitchellWhiley
