Preview: Hull City vs. Coventry City - prediction, team news, lineups

Hull City play host to Coventry City on Friday evening with the opportunity to move level on points with Championship leaders Preston North End.

While Coventry find themselves down in 14th position in the standings, the visitors to the MKM Stadium are on a four-match undefeated streak in the second tier.

Match preview

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When his side lost their opening two fixtures of the season, including a defeat to Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup, Liam Rosenior would have had concerns over the trajectory of his squad.

However, Hull have responded by collecting 10 points from a possible 12, recording victories over Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City.

Although there was disappointment regarding a 1-1 draw at home to Bristol City, the 1-0 triumph at Leicester City which followed has catapulted Hull into the top six.

An early goal from Manchester City loanee Liam Delap proved to be the difference, with the young Englishman now having two strikes and one assist from his five Championship starts.

Hull also ended their wait for a first clean sheet of the season at the King Power Stadium, but they now face a different kind of test against Coventry.

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Coventry may be sitting in the bottom half of the table at present, yet their only defeat of the Championship campaign has come at Leicester on the opening weekend when they conceded two late goals.

The Sky Blues responded with a dominant 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough, although that has since been followed by three successive draws.

Mark Robins would have felt pride rather than frustration with the latter, with Coventry coming from behind three times to earn a 3-3 draw against Watford.

Nevertheless, already sitting four points adrift of sixth-placed Hull, Robins will feel a sense of urgency to get his side back in contention at a time when no team in the division were able to win each of their opening five games.

Team News

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Hull midfielder Ozan Tufan is expected to be back in contention after missing the win at Leicester due to a thigh injury.

Providing that he is deemed to be fully fit, Tufan may replace Adama Traore, depending on whether Delap is kept on the right and Aaron Connolly down the middle.

Ruben Vinagre came through 65 minutes against the Foxes and seems likely to retain his spot at left-back.

Despite the goals that were conceded versus Watford, Robins may insist on retaining the same Coventry back three, providing that Joel Latibeaudiere is available after his two games for Jamaica.

Jake Bidwell could be recalled at left wing-back in play of Jay Dasilva, but Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Yasin Ayari may have to remain patient for his first start, depending on whether Kasey Palmer is fit to start after, like Latibeaudiere, representing Jamaica during the international break.

Hull City possible starting lineup:

Ingram; Coyle, Jones, Greaves, Vinagre; Slater, Seri; Delap, Tufan, Twine; Connolly

Coventry City possible starting lineup:

Wilson; Thomas, McFadzean, Latibeaudiere; Van Ewijk, Eccles, Sheaf, Bidwell; Ayari; Godden, Wright

We say: Hull City 1-2 Coventry City

Despite the difference in league positions, this should prove to be a hugely competitive clash. Hull can only have grown in confidence after their victory at Leicester, but we are backing the visitors to get back on track with a win on their travels.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.