Hull City have made a pretty decent fist of life back in the Premier League, although Sunday’s visit from Everton should give us another indication of just how far they’ve come.
The Tigers have collected eight points from their opening five matches, with victories over Manchester United and Coventry City helping them settle into the top flight.
Their only league defeat came away to Newcastle, and Sergej Jakirović will be relatively pleased with how his side have handled the step up.
Everton haven’t been doing too badly themselves.
David Moyes’ side remain unbeaten after five league matches, although three draws suggest there’s still room for improvement.
The Toffees have conceded just three goals so far, while Hull have shipped only four.
Neither side has been particularly easy to break down, then, and I wouldn’t expect Sunday’s meeting at the MKM Stadium to turn into a goalfest.
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What are the best betting tips for Hull City vs Everton?
Under 2.5 total goals
There hasn’t been much wrong with either side defensively this season.
Everton have conceded just three goals in five Premier League matches, keeping three clean sheets along the way.
Hull have been similarly impressive, conceding four times despite already facing Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United.
Moyes has built his Everton side around being difficult to beat, and that approach has worked pretty well so far.
However, it hasn’t always made for particularly entertaining football.
The Toffees have been involved in some tight contests, while Hull have also shown they’re comfortable keeping things organised rather than throwing everyone forward.
With both teams enjoying relatively solid starts, I can’t see either manager taking unnecessary risks.
Under 2.5 goals looks a sensible selection.
Mohamed Belloumi to score or assist
Hull have several players capable of causing Everton problems, but Mohamed Belloumi has arguably been their biggest attacking threat so far.
The Algerian has registered two goals and two assists in five Premier League appearances.
That’s an impressive return for a player adjusting to life in the top flight.
His movement and ability to create opportunities have been particularly important for Jakirović’s side, especially against opponents who are happy to sit deep.
Everton’s defensive record suggests chances could be difficult to come by.
However, Vitalii Mykolenko is a doubt after picking up an injury during the international break, which could leave Moyes needing to make changes at the back.
Belloumi doesn’t necessarily need Hull to dominate possession to make an impact, either.
One moment of quality could be enough.
Rather than backing him to score outright, the goal-or-assist market gives us a little more flexibility.
Match result – Draw
I’m struggling to separate these two.
Hull have made an impressive start to the season, particularly at home, while Everton remain one of the few unbeaten sides in the division.
However, the Toffees haven’t exactly been turning draws into victories on a regular basis.
Three of their opening five Premier League matches have ended level.
They’ve also struggled on their travels, failing to win any of their last seven away league matches.
Hull, meanwhile, have already held Chelsea and Aston Villa to draws this season.
There’s plenty to suggest another close contest is on the cards.
Everton probably have the stronger squad on paper, but Hull have already demonstrated that reputation doesn’t count for much at the MKM Stadium.
I wouldn’t be particularly confident backing either side to win.
A draw looks worth considering.
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Where can I watch Hull City vs Everton?
Hull City vs Everton kicks off at 2pm BST on Sunday, October 11, at the MKM Stadium.
UK television coverage has not been independently confirmed for this preview, so the broadcaster should be checked before publication.
In the United States, Premier League matches are available through NBC’s platforms, including Peacock, depending on the broadcast selection. Kick-off is at 9am ET.
Canadian supporters can follow Premier League coverage through Fubo, with kick-off also scheduled for 9am ET.
What is Hull City’s predicted team?
(3-4-3): Tzolakis; Ajayi, Egan, Herrington; Coyle, Crooks, Slater, Giles; Belloumi, McBurnie, Thomas.
Injured: Tim Iroegbunam, Ilyas Ansah, Jack Butland, Darko Gyabi, Eliot Matazo.
Doubts: Elliot Stroud, Matt Targett, Hidemasa Morita, Charlie Hughes.
Suspended: None confirmed.
What is Everton’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Maitland-Niles; Garner, Armstrong; George, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry.
Injured: None confirmed.
Doubts: Vitalii Mykolenko, Merlin Röhl, Christian Nørgaard.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Hull City vs Everton prediction
I don’t think we’re going to be treated to a classic at the MKM Stadium.
Both teams have defended well this season, and neither manager is likely to abandon what’s been working just to entertain the crowd.
Everton’s unbeaten start makes them difficult to oppose, but their away record is hardly convincing.
Hull have already shown they can compete with established Premier League opposition, and they’ve been particularly stubborn on their own patch.
There’s a decent argument for either side nicking this by a single goal.
However, with so little separating them, I’m leaning towards a draw.
Score prediction: Hull City 1-1 Everton
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