Premier League Preview: Hull City - Stoke City

Phil Brown and out?

Hull City could be on the verge of change. The return of the highly shrewd and capable Adam Pearson to the board from Derby County has led many observers to suggest that manager Phil Brown may well have to win this game in order to keep his job.

Brown has reacted typically bullishly to these suggestions, but has been publicly reminded by Pearson that he is in a results business and he is shrewd enough himself to understand the real meaning of that statement.

Three Premier League wins in 2009 is clearly not good enough, certainly not as a return on the kind of money the Tigers have spent. The early campaign run that kept them up last season now looks like a fluke, and the team's resources looked stretched.

Brown spent money in the summer but, with the exception of Republic of Ireland international Stephen Hunt, didn't bring any established Premier League performers to the club. His acquisitions were either looking beyond their prime (Vennegor of Hesselink) or players with potential yet to reach their peak (Altidore, Ghilas).

Stoke City are not the team one wants to face in this kind of situation, and Brown will hope his side, bound to be low on morale, don't wilt under the Potters' bullying pressure.

Potters ready to inflict further pain

Stoke City, in contrast, seem to be a team very much on the upward curve of their development. Last season the Potters adopted a somewhat one-dimensional approach, based primarily on physical power, set-piece threat and no small amount of intimidation.

The acquisition over the last calendar year of the likes of Matthew Etherington and Tuncay has shown that manager Tony Pulis is aware that his team must develop finesse as well as maintain fighting spirit if they are to move forward.

One cause for concern for Pulis is their seeming inability to finish teams off this season. Three times they have thrown away leads to draw the game, costing them six points.

Those six points would have seen them sitting level with Manchester United - an indication of just how good this team really is. With the Tigers looking a little shabby at the moment, these Midlands artisans may well find a ruthless streak at the KC.

FORM GUIDE

Hull City

31.10.09 Burnley 2-0 Hull City Premier League
24.10.09 Hull City 0-0 Portsmouth Premier League
19.10.09 Fulham 2-0 Hull City Premier League
03.10.09 Hull City 2-1 Wigan Athletic Premier League
26.09.09 Liverpool 6-1 Hull City Premier League


Stoke City

31.10.09 Stoke City 2-2 Wolves Premier League
27.10.09 Portsmouth 4-0 Stoke City League Cup
24.10.09 Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Stoke City Premier League
17.10.09  Stoke City 2-1 West Ham Premier League
04.10.09 Everton 1-1 Stoke City Premier League


TEAM NEWS

Hull City

Matt Duke will deputize for the injured Boaz Myhill (knee) between the sticks again. Geovanni is suspended after his red card at Burnley. Ian Ashbee (knee) and Jimmy Bullard (shin) are both doubts.

Last Line-Up (versus Burnley)

Duke, McShane (Mendy 59), Zayatte, Gardner, Dawson, Ghilas, Olofinjana, Marney, Hunt (Barmby 70), Geovanni, Vennegoor of Hesselink (Altidore 58). Subs Not Used: Warner, Garcia, Kilbane, Mouyokolo.

Stoke City

Salif Diao is the Potters' only injury doubt. Robert Huth has returned from suspension and is available once again.

Last Line-Up (versus Wolves)

Sorensen, Wilkinson, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Collins, Delap (Lawrence 80), Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Beattie (Sidibe 71), Fuller (Sanli 75). Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Higginbotham, Cort, Pugh.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hull City

Stephen Hunt can always be relied upon for some passion and quality from the flank. So often the star at Reading in recent years, the Irishman can both create and score goals and Tigers fans (and Phil Brown) will be looking for a big performance.

Stoke City

Glenn Whelan has been a revelation in the green of the Republic of Ireland in recent months, showing an ability to hit game-changing goals. The midfielder recently signed a new contract at the Britannia and is a key cog in the Potters midfield.

PREDICTION

Stoke to force Adam Pearson to make a decision on Phil Brown's future.

Hull City 1-2 Stoke City

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

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