MX23RW : Tuesday, February 11 18:32:34| >> :120:26930:26930:
[monks data]
Hull logo
Premier League
Apr 5, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Swansea logo

1-0

Boyd (39')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Preview: Hull City vs. Swansea City

Sports Mole previews the clash between Hull City and Swansea City at the KC Stadium as the Tigers look to ensure their Premier League safety before their FA Cup semi-final.

Hull City may be forgiven for having one eye on their upcoming FA Cup semi-final when they host Swansea City at the KC Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers have reached the last four of the competition for the first time since 1930 and only League One Sheffield United stand in their way of further progress.

Steve Bruce would be delighted if his side can focus on their trip to Wembley next weekend having extinguished the minor doubts still surrounding their Premier League safety.

Hull are seven points clear of the relegation zone having avoided the bottom end of the table for much of their first season back in the top flight, but probably need one more win to guarantee survival.

Swansea are in a similar position after moving level on points with the Lancashire outfit courtesy of their 3-0 victory over Norwich City last weekend, in which Jonathan de Guzman scored twice.

Interim Swans boss Garry Monk has admitted this week that the club will look to bring the Dutchman to Wales on a permanent deal in the summer following the conclusion of his second season-long loan spell.

Whether Monk will be in charge next season, though, is still up in the air and so the 34-year-old will be determined to finish the season strongly to stake his claim to be given the manager's role full time.

He has only one senior injury worry to contend with, as Kyle Bartley remains on the sidelines with a hamstring strain, and so could name the same side that were convincing victors over the Canaries.

Michu, their 19-goal top scorer from last season, is working his way back to full fitness after ankle surgery forced him to miss three months of action and should slot in behind striker Wifried Bony.

The Ivorian has already netted 20 times in his debut campaign at the Liberty Stadium and is thought to be garnering interest from other clubs in the division, including Champions League-chasing Everton.

Hull will continue to be without goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who has joined Paul McShane and Robbie Brady on the long-term injury list after suffering kidney damage in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham United.

George Boyd is available again for the Tigers after completing his three-match suspension for spitting at Manchester City's Joe Hart, and will probably be named on the bench as Bruce sticks with his settled side.

There could be a recall for Honduran defender Maynor Figueroa, who was not risked in the 1-0 loss to Stoke City last weekend, at the expense of Alex Bruce in the home side's back five.

Ahmed Elmohamady made a costly error at the Britannia Stadium, but is the only Hull player to have started every Premier League game this season and should be kept faith with again.

Recent form

Hull: LLWLWL

Swansea: WDLLDL

Possible starting lineups

Hull: Harper; Rosenior, Davies, Chester, Figueroa, Elmohamady; Huddlestone, Meyler, Livermore; Long, Jelavic

Swansea: Vorm; Rangel, Chico, Williams, Davies; Britton, Shelvey; De Guzman, Michu, Routledge; Bony

Sports Mole says: 1-1


ID:147899: cacheID:147899:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6271:
Written by
Joe Fish
No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
George Boyd of Hull City runs with the ball during the pre season friendly match between Peterborough United and Hull City at London Road Stadium on July 29, 2013
Read Next:
Bruce: 'Boyd eager to return'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds31199362194366
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd31206543222164
3Burnley31161323792861
4Sunderland311611447281959
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom311114641281347
6Blackburn RoversBlackburn31136123531445
7Middlesbrough301281049391044
8Norwich CityNorwich311110105043743
9Bristol City31101293836242
10Watford31126134244-242
11Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds31119114448-442
12Coventry CityCoventry31118124140141
13Queens Park RangersQPR311011103540-541
14Millwall301010103027340
15Preston North EndPreston3081393338-537
16Swansea CitySwansea31107143342-937
17Oxford UnitedOxford Utd31910123445-1137
18Stoke CityStoke30711122837-932
19Cardiff CityCardiff30710133351-1831
20Portsmouth3179153754-1730
21Hull City3078153140-929
22Derby CountyDerby3177173342-928
23Luton TownLuton3076173049-1927
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth30510152963-3425


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!