Liverpool will look to continue their winning form in the Premier League against Hull City after last weekend’s impressive victory at Stamford Bridge.
Putting the Burnley result aside, the Reds have flown out of the blocks this season and are playing a brand of football that has everyone talking. Wins against Arsenal, Leicester City, Chelsea and a draw against Tottenham Hotspur show Liverpool are capable of a performance against the big teams in the league, but this weekend they need to show they can do it against one of the lower ranked sides. They currently sit sixth in the league – equal on points with Arsenal in fourth.
As for the Tigers, their results have come across as a surprise to many. Despite struggling to field a team on the opening day they sit 12th in the league with two wins, one draw and two losses. Avoiding relegation will still remain the key for Mike Phelan’s side, but they have shown fortitude and quality around the park. Hull are not a team to be taken lightly.
Key Battle – Sadio Mane vs Eldin Jakupovic
Hull City will inevitably sit deep as they are away from home and especially when considering the way Liverpool have attacked this season.
The Reds will need speed around the box to try and unlock the stubborn Tigers defence, and if anyone is going to have that movement and change of pace, it will be Sadio Mane.
When the summer signing gets his chance, Hull City’s shot-stopper, Eldin Jakupovic, will have to be at his best to try and cancel him out.
Team News
Jurgen Klopp will have a selection dilemma come the weekend with Roberto Firmino coming back into the fold. It will more than likely be Daniel Sturridge making way for the Brazilian from last week’s starting XI against Chelsea.
There should be no change to Hull City’s setup come the weekend and one would expect Phelan to field the same XI he did against Arsenal.
Head-to-head
Hull City have proven somewhat of a bogey side for the Merseysiders in recent years, with Liverpool not beating them since a 2-0 victory at Anfield back in 2014.
The Reds and Hull have met just the nine times previously, with both winning three, drawing three and losing three.
Previous meeting
Their previous encounter saw Steve Bruce’s side at the time come away 1-0 victors at the KC Stadium thanks to a headed goal from Michael Dawson.
Prediction
Despite the stunning form they are in, Liverpool could easily take a turn for the worst. Games like these have proven to be their Achilles heel in previous seasons. What can be said though, is if the Reds have any ambition of challenging for the title then this is a game they need to win. With Hull City showing some form of weaknesses against Arsenal last weekend, Liverpool will certainly fancy themselves to come away with a big win. But, it is easier said than done and they need to bring the right mentality on the day.
Liverpool 3 Hull City 1
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