Good afternoon everyone. The final day of the Premier League season has arrived. I'll be bringing you text coverage of
Hull City vs. Everton. Very little will change for these teams today, but they'll be desperate to finish a positive campaign on a high.
Hull head into this match in 16th position in the table, but with relegation an impossibility this afternoon, it has to be considered a good season for
Steve Bruce's side. They've also got next week's FA Cup final against Arsenal to look forward to. Can they polish off the league season with a win?
The mood might be low in the Everton camp after their challenge for a Champions League spot faded at the crucial stage of the season. Despite missing out on the top four, I'm sure most Everton supporters would have taken fifth place and finishing above both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United before the start of the season. European football will return to Goodison Park next campaign.
HULL: McGregor, Figueroa, Bruce, Davies, Huddlestone, Livermore, McShane, Jelavic, Aluko, Elmohamady, Quinn
SUBSTITUTES: Harper, Rosenior, Koren, Fryatt, Boyd, Sagbo, Long
EVERTON: Howard, Baines, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, McGeady, Naismith, McCarthy, Lukaku, Barry, Osman
SUBSTITUTES: Robles, Hibbert, Deulofeu, Pienaar, Traore, Alcaraz, McAleny
That Hull team could come as a bit of a surprise ahead of the FA Cup final. Bruce has decided to make six changes to his side, with
Allan McGregor, Paul McShane, Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore, Nikica Jelavic and Sone Aluko all returning. Their form has been poor recently, Bruce may want one final confidence boost before the final.
The big news from the Everton camp is that both Ross Barkley and John Stones are left out the squad, but the club has confirmed that the duo have been rested for the final day. Is
Roberto Martinez doing his young players a favour ahead of the World Cup squad announcement? Has Roy Hodgson had a word with the Spaniard?
Predictably for Everton it's
Romelu Lukaku who starts in attack, with Aiden McGeady, Leon Osman and Steven Naismith providing support behind the striker. Gareth Barry plays the final game of his loan spell with the Toffees.
A few surprised in each team. Shane Long has been left on the bench for Hull, despite being cup-tied for next week's final. Bruce perhaps knows that his side cannot afford to go into that game having lost four of their previous five matches. Plenty of places up for grabs if someone can put in a good display for Hull this afternoon.
Everton wave goodbye to a couple of key players today. Lukaku's future looks uncertain ahead of his return to Chelsea, but it now seems very unlikely that the influential forward will be playing for Everton next season. The club have to replace him as soon as possible if they're to enjoy similar success in the next campaign. As for Barry, he's been Mr Consistent for the Toffees this year. His form has seen some tip him for a place in the England squad, and it appears Everton will face a battle to sign the free agent in the summer.
Steve Harper has been asked to deputise in the Hull goal in recent weeks, but Bruce has brought back McGregor this week. The Scot has had a very good season, so will he back between the sticks for the FA Cup final. It's a boost for Hull, especially after the injury McGregor picked up against West Ham which looked ending his season.
Heading into this match Hull do not boast the best of records against Everton. In five previous meetings, Hull have only managed to record one victory, and have lost three of those matches.
Everton have already recorded their highest every points tally in the Premier League, but they'll reach 72 points with a victory. That will be their best tally since they won the old first division title back in the 1986-87 season.
We've got live commentaries of all 10 Premier League games this afternoon as a thrilling season comes to an end. Just click on the fixture in the box to the right, and you'll be taken to the coverage of that match. It could be a dramatic finish at the top of the table.
It's been a stuttering season to a brilliant season for both of these teams, with each club losing three of their four previous fixtures. In truth, it could have been better going into the final game of the campaign but with record points tallies for both clubs, can you really ask more?
Are you looking for a promising statistic Everton fans? Well, I've got one for you this afternoon. Hull have played eight Premier League matches in the month of May, but have never managed to record a victory (D3 L5). Not great finishers to a season, it's fair to say.
PREDICTION: We're 15 minutes away from the action getting started, so it's time for my prediction. It's always difficult to call a result on the final day, but I think Everton might take advantage of Hull keeping an eye on the cup final by winning 2-1.
Nikica Jelavic is taking on his former club for the first time today, and his former teammate Phil Jagielka has been speaking about the prospect of facing the Croatian this afternoon.
"Jela was here for a couple years and was a great part of the team," the defender told the club's website.
"It was sad to see him go but we all understood that he needed to go and play football for his future and World Cup dream. Hopefully he will be playing in the Croatia team in Brazil."
Jelavic will be key for Hull today. He'll have to make sure Jagielka and Distin are kept busy with his running into the channels, as options for the Hull midfielders could be at a minimum today. Bruce knows his side will have to disrupt Everton's rhythm to be successful.
When these two teams last met in October, goals from Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar helped Everton to a 2-1 victory over Hull at Goodison Park. Yannick Sagbo scored the consolation goal for Hull that day.
There's been some rain at the KC Stadium, but the sun is back out now. Both sets of players are about to head out of the tunnel, with action just a few moments away.
Here we go then. Howard Webb takes charge of the game this afternoon. Everton will get the game underway.
It's been a confident start from Everton, who are knocking the ball about the pitch with apparent ease as Hull struggle to settle down.
Not much sign of either side throwing too many forward yet, with each team looking to dominate possession. Very quiet opening to the game at the KC Stadium, with the supporters unable to get into it just yet.
Everton work the ball well to find McGeady in space on the right. The former Celtic winger displays his pace by reaching the byline, but his delivery is easily cleared away. Solid defending from Hull.
The visitors are seeing much more the ball in the opening stages, but Martinez hasn't seen any penetration from his side. We've seen very little of Lukaku, who is being watched very closely by McShane, Davies and Bruce.
GOAL! HULL 0-1 EVERTON (McCARTHY)
Everton break the deadlock! They've controlled the game in the opening nine minutes, and the breakthrough has now arrived. A long spell of pressure results in Naismith shifting the ball to McCarthy inside the box, and the midfielder's shot proves to be too powerful for McGregor, who fails to push the ball away from the net. McCarthy opens his account for the club on the final day of the season.
Looking at the replay of the goal, McGregor will certainly feel he should have done better with McCarthy's shot. It was struck well, but the goalkeeper got a good hand on the ball. Everton are in complete control still, despite that being their first real chance.
SHOT! Hull have their first effort of the game as Aluko uses some space to fire the ball just over the crossbar from 25 yards out. Decent strike from the forward, but Howard had it covered.
Everton's supporters have been in good voice in the first 15 minutes, and they've just started to sing Jelavic's name. Lovely touch from the travelling fans. Everton still on top.
There's been quite a few fouls in the last few minutes. It's a good battle in midfield, but the stop, start nature of the game doesn't seem to be helping either side.
Lukaku drops deeper to get involved in the game. The Belgian forward is allowed to turn into space, but his speculative long range effort sails well over the crossbar.
Excellent football from the visitors. A flowing move sees the ball shifted wide to Coleman, who does superbly well to force his way into the box before drilling in a dangerous cross which is well cleared by McShane.
CHANCE! Oh dear, poor miss from Naismith. Barry picks out his teammate in space, but instead of controlling the ball, the Scot elects to shoot first time. Unfortunately for the visitors, the ball rolls wide of the target.
YELLOW CARD! Jagielka is the first player to be booked after he chops down Quinn. The free kick which follows is cleared as far as Livermore, who fires wide of the target from 20 yards.
CLOSE! Everton are agonisingly close to a second goal when McCarthy pulls out wide to deliver a dangerous cross. It looks like Lukaku will add the finishing touch from close range, but he fails to make contact with the slide.
Hull are playing slightly better now, but it's still Everton who are in charge of the match. A Jelavic free kick is blocked, and Figueroa collects the loose ball before drilling a deflected effort straight at Howard.
It's got to be said. The noise coming from the visiting end has been superb in the first half. Everton are turning the screw every time they get forward, but Hull are sticking to their task well since falling behind. They can't afford to concede again before the break.
Almost a disastrous moment for McShane, whose weak header back to McGregor is inches away from being intercepted by Naismith. That would have been a terrible way to concede a second.
Figueroa ignores his options after collecting a loose ball, choosing to unleash a powerful effort from distance which is easily saved by Howard. Decent strike, but straight at the American.
UPDATE: For those of you looking to keep an eye on the race for the Premier League title. Liverpool are currently losing 1-0 to Newcastle at Anfield, while Samir Nasri has just given Manchester City the lead over West Ham. It looks like the celebrations will be taking place at the Etihad Stadium later.
Very good goalkeeping from Howard, who confidently comes out to gather an inviting cross from Quinn following some excellent football from the hosts.
In truth, we've seen very little of Tom Huddlestone so far, but the Hull midfielder shows us what he can do by chipping a lovely pass over the top of Everton's defence. Aluko threatens to go through on goal, but Howard is out to collect.
McCarthy seems to have been given the green-light to go forward as much as possible today, and he's involved again with a cross fro Lukaku, whose effort from close range is smothered by McGregor.
The fourth official confirms there will be one minute added on. Any response from Hull in stoppage time?
HALF TIME: HULL 0-1 EVERTON
The first half comes to an end at the KC Stadium with Everton leading 1-0 thanks to McCarthy's first goal for the club. Everton have certainly been the better of the two sides. Ahead of next week's FA Cup final, there's not too many Hull players putting forward their case for selection.
It's been a typical Everton display under Martinez. They've been patient at times waiting to make a breakthrough on goal, but they are bossing possession thanks to dominant performances from Barry and McCarthy, who has added to his goal with an impressive display.
Will Bruce turn to his bench at the interval? He may look to remove the likes of Huddlestone and Livermore to save them for the final, but I wouldn't be surprised if he introduces Shane Long at the break to add some more threat in attack. Hull have looked limp going forward at times.
For Everton, Martinez will surely be asking for more of the same. Without Miralllas, they sometimes struggle to get players close to Lukaku, but I'd expect Naismith to now fill that void, while Deulofeu is an option off the bench.
Both teams are back out on the pitch, but there's been no changes just yet. Hull will get the game back underway.
GOAL! HULL 0-2 EVERTON (LUKAKU)
Lukaku has found the back of the net in the final game of his loan spell! Everton start the second half brilliantly as a lovely passing move ends with Osman finding the Belgian, who calmly drills the ball past a helpless McGregor. It's a superb team goal.
It's an awful start for Hull, who face a big battle to get back into this match from this position. Their Premier League season seemed to finish a few weeks ago. This hasn't been good enough from Bruce's side. Everton looking relaxed as the knock the ball around comfortably.
It's not looking good for Hull. When they do win the ball, they're struggling to keep the ball for very long. Aluko is offering very little with his runs off the ball. Long would surely cause more problems for Distin and Jagielka if he was introduced.
SUBSTITUTION: First change of the game from Bruce as Matty Fryatt, who could start next week's FA Cup final, comes on to replace Jelavic.
McCarthy and Barry are giving a lesson in how to play central midfield in Martinez's system. They're dropping deep to collect the ball of the defence, while McCarthy has also showed the confidence to get forward and link up with the attackers. Both have been a joy to watch today.
SAVE! McGeady is too quick for Livermore as he earns himself some space, but the strike that follows is easily stopped by McGregor. Excellent play from the tricky winger.
Despite his advancing years, Distin is still one of the most consistent defenders in the league. Aluko collects the ball in a dangerous positions, but all of the tricks in his bag do not allow him to get past the Frenchman.
Jagielka makes two key contributions as he first heads away a corner, before reacting well to block the volley which follows from Huddlestone.
SUBSTITUTION: It appears Bruce is looking ahead to the final, too. McShane, who has looked in decent form on his return to the team, comes off to be replaced by Liam Rosenior.
Fryatt challenges for the ball with Distin, and goes down inside the box. Distin's foot was high for a moment, but it certainly didn't look like a penalty. Good decision from Howard Webb.
More good work from McCarthy as he rolls the ball across the edge of the box to Coleman, who slices an effort wide of the target. Poor strike from the Irishman.
SUBSTITUTION: Martinez uses his first change to replace the lively McGeady with Deulofeu.
Deulofeu is involved immediately as he breaks into the box, but Davies comes across to dispossess the substitute and clear the danger.
SAVE! Rosenior cuts in from the left before striking straight at Howard, who is then forced to quickly collect at the second time of asking in a congested box.
SUBSTITUTION: One final change for the hosts as Aluko, who has been well short of his best this afternoon, makes way for Robert Koren.
It's starting to look like a training session for Everton as they continue to dictate the tempo of the match while bossing possession. Hull look to have given up the fight. We all know what the players are thinking about today. Luckily for the hosts, there's been no injuries.
SUBSTITUTION: The changes keep on coming as Steven Pienaar comes on for Osman. Moments later Lukaku fires a free kick wide of the target from distance.
Alex Bruce rises highest inside the box, but under pressure from Jagielka, he fails to prevent his header from going over the crossbar. It doesn't look like we'll see a dramatic finish in this match.
Hull have just started to step up the tempo in the last couple of minutes, but it looks to be too late as Everton deal with everything thrown at them with apparent ease. Nine minutes plus stoppage time remaining.
A corner is delivered into a good area for Hull. Davies thinks twice about attempting the overhead kick, before Livermores sees a powerful effort blocked.
CHANCE! Terrible miss. Hull are piling on the pressure as a Huddlestone corner once again finds Davies, who heads wide from a great position inside the box. The hosts seems to have woken up for the closing stages.
SAVE! Clever turn from Koren, but he's left frustrated as his powerful strike is tipped past the post by Howard. The corner which follows is easily cleared by Everton.
SUBSTITUTION: One final goodbye for Lukaku, who leaves the pitch to be replaced by Lacina Traore. It's been an impressive afternoon for the Belgian, on what looks likely to be his final match for the club unless Everton can pull off the signing of the summer.
The fourth official confirms there will be just two minutes added on.
Hull have only had a five minute spell when they've looked dangerous, but it doesn't appear that there will be any drama late on. Everton have cruised to three points.
FULL TIME: HULL 0-2 EVERTON
It's all over at the KC Stadium. Everton are worthy winners on a day when they've been rarely troubled by Hull, who clearly have both eyes on next week's FA Cup final. McCarthy and Lukaku with the goals as Martinez ends his first season on a high.
Thanks for joining me on the final day of the season. Everton have won this game at a canter, while Manchester City have been crowned champions for the second time in three years at the Etihad Stadium. I hope you've enjoyed the coverage. Goodbye everyone.