Hull City play host to Aston Villa this weekend in the Premier League, but it is the newly promoted outfit who have enjoyed the better start to the campaign.
Tigers enjoying Premier League life
This is Hull’s first Premier League campaign since 2016/17. Judging by their impressive start, it certainly doesn’t feel that way.
A home tie against Manchester United to open the season was a daunting prospect on paper, yet the Tigers passed with flying colors. That 2-0 victory could set the tone for the entire term. it wasn’t just in securing three points, but how they managed to hold the Red Devils off, managing just 28% possession across the entire match.
Sergej Jakirovic then led his team to a gritty 1-0 win over fellow promoted side Coventry last weekend to make it six points from six. Will the wheels fall off? Perhaps, but the supporters are certainly enjoying this wonderful start to life back in the big time.
Now Villa await at the MKM Stadium this weekend and this is arguably the perfect time to face Unai Emery’s men. Confidence at Villa is low, having lost their opening two Premier League matches of the season, something that Hull can take full advantage of. Indeed, the last time these two clubs met in the top flight was during the 2014/15 season. On that occasion, Hull prevailed 2-0.
Any sort of win on Saturday will do, that’s for certain.
Has Unai Emery taken Aston Villa as far as he can?
There is absolutely no doubt Emery will go down as one of the finest managers in Villa’s storied history. The question is, though, has the Spaniard taken them to the limit?
Having to constantly sell your best players, while searching for adequate replacements, is feasible for only so long. This summer Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Emiliano MartÃnez, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have left (along with nine others). Those five players were starters in the Europa League final in May.
Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and João Gomes are fine signings, as to are Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Ibrahim Mbaye and Leon Goretzka. But will they be able to settle and perform like their predecessors?
Villa shipped four goals in just 31 minutes against Brighton, losing 4-0 to the Seagulls on matchday one. Gomes drawing a red in the 41st minute certainly didn’t help, but it also provided no excuse for the defensive woes. An improved display against Arsenal was welcome, yet Emery’s men still slipped to a 1- defeat.
Last season, Villa failed to win any of their opening five league matches, yet still managed to finish fourth and claim the Europa League trophy. The fans will be hoping history repeats itself this term.Â
Team news
Hull City’s Jack Butland, Charlie Hughes, Eliot Matazo, Hidemasa Morita, Óscar Zambrano and Darko Gyabi will all miss this clash against Villa due to injury. Additionally, Lewie Coyle, Matt Crooks, Matty Jacob and Joe Gelhardt will need to be assessed before the game.
Emery will have to make do without Manzambi, Amadou Onana and Brian Madjo as the trio are ruled out due to injury.
Gomes remains suspended following his red card against Brighton.
Prediction
Hull enter this match with absolutely nothing to lose. Their perfect start to the season has the Tigers sitting nicely alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City at the top of the table.
Villa, on the other hand, are currently in the relegation zone and Emery must lead his team to a victory soon. Villa are set to play five games in just two weeks beginning with this away clash against Hull.
Will Emery have one eye on the Champions League? Finding the right balance, especially with the club chasing another top four finish, could prove to be difficult.
Last time they played in Europe’s premier club competition, Emery could only lead his side to a sixth place finish.
Hull will be keen on piling on more misery this weekend, but this match will be a tighter affair: Hull 1-1 Aston Villa.
