The Liverpool vs Hull City match will take place this Wednesday, January 1, 2014 (7:00 AM Pacific). The Reds welcome Premier League surprise package Hull City to Anfield on New Year’s Day in what should be a cracking game between two sides that have enjoyed a magnificent start to the season.
Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool came away from arguably their toughest tests of the season against Manchester City and Chelsea with no points but the performance put up by the Reds in both matches was admirable. However, the Premier League is a cruel place where a couple of defeats can drag a team down. Therefore, it is of paramount importance for the Reds to grab all three points when they welcome Hull City to Anfield.
It will be less than straight-forward though against a confident Hull City side, as Liverpool themselves would know best after suffering a 3-1 loss at the hands of the Tigers exactly a month ago in the corresponding fixture. Steve Bruce’s men are on a high after their 6-0 hammering of Fulham in the weekend as well, and Liverpool would be very unwise to underestimate Hull City.
Liverpool
After the Chelsea defeat, Brendan Rodgers lamented the lack of strength in depth in his squad and it looks like the Liverpool manager will not be able to make many changes to his jaded side.
Joe Allen and Mamadou Sissoko picked up injuries at Stamford Bridge and will most likely miss the clash. However, a big boost for the Reds will be the likely return of captain Steven Gerrard to side. The midfielder looks set to go straight into the starting lineup in place of the injured Allen.
It will be interesting to see who will go in at centre back to replace Sakho as Rodgers could elect to bring in Kolo Toure and deploy Daniel Agger on the left or push Agger to central defence and recall Aly Cissokho to the starting lineup. Other than those changes, the Liverpool team picks itself.
Hull City
Steve Bruce was forced to make a couple of changes due to injuries against Fulham but his side responded in brilliant fashion with a 6-0 drubbing of the Cottagers. Bruce may well be pondering about not making too many changes to the side that won so convincingly last time out.
Stephen Quinn, Robbie Brady and Sone Aluko will be absent for the trip to Anfield due to injuries but the likes of Alex Bruce and David Meyler will be available for selection.
Robert Koren was simply outstanding against Fulham and looks set to start behind Yannick Sagbo who will be leading the line. George Boyd may also retain his place in the starting line on the wings with Ahmed El Mohamady deployed on the other side. The formidable duo of Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore will be marshalling the midfield.
Probable Lineups
Liverpool (Probable XI): Mignolet; Agger, Toure, Skrtel, Johnson; Coutinho, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Sterling; Suarez
Hull City (Probable XI): McGregor; Rosenior, Chester, Davies, Figueroa; El Mohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Boyd; Koren, Sagbo
Form
Liverpool: W W W L L
Hull City: D D D L W
Last Meeting
01/12/2013 Hull City 3 – 1 Liverpool
Liverpool vs Hull City Prediction
Liverpool head into the clash against Hull City as clear favourites but the Tigers have given a good account of themselves in the league. The Reds will also be well aware of the fact that Hull City do not give their opponents an easy ride.
Anything other than a win for Liverpool will be considered a bad result, especially with their rivals for the title slowly gathering momentum. Hull City will be happy with a point from the game but will certainly have their work cut out against a wounded Liverpool side at Anfield.
Hull City should be looking to negate the threat posed by Luis Suarez like they so wonderfully did in the corresponding fixture while Liverpool should look to impose themselves in the middle of the park, but will know it will be tough due to the presence of Jake Livermore and Tom Huddlestone in the Tigers’ ranks.Even though Hull City have proven themselves to be a tough nut to crack, Liverpool should be able to claim all three points considering the strength of their squad and the fact that they are at home. The Liverpool vs Hull City match will end in a 3-1 win for the Reds.
Liverpool vs Hull City TV Schedule
The Liverpool vs Hull City match will be televised this Wednesday, January 1, 2014 on Premier League Extra and NBC Sport Live (online) at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Liverpool vs Hull City Highlights
Daniel Agger Goal – Liverpool vs Hull City 1-0… by videosondailymotion
Liverpool – Hull City 2:0 Luis Suarez Amazing… by videosondailymotion
