Premier League preview and odds: Hull City vs Leicester City

Premier League

Football
Published: 09/08/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Hull City vs Leicester City

August 13 , 2016 12:30pm - KCOM Stadium

Premier League

The first game of the 2016-17 Premier League season will get underway at 12.30pm on Saturday lunchtime as newly-promoted Hull City open their top-flight campaign in the toughest possible way with a clash against reigning champions Leicester City FC at the KCOM Stadium.

Leicester begin title defence against Premier League newcomers

After a year out of the top flight, Hull City are back amongst the elite of English football. A fourth-place finish in the Championship last year was enough to secure a position in the play-offs where Steve Bruce`s men ultimately prevailed after beating Sheffield Wednesday by a single goal in the Wembley showdown.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, Steve Bruce has since quit the club and they currently remain without a permanent manager. However, in the last few days, Mike Phelan has emerged as the favourite to take over on Humberside.

Meanwhile, title holders Leicester City are coming into this game on the back of a 1-2 Community Shield defeat to Jose Mourinho`s Manchester United in which star player Jamie Vardy got back to scoring ways for the East Midlanders with a second half strike. That will be good news for Leicester fans who had previously feared that the England man would miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery on his wrist.

Foxes` boss Claudio Ranieri has played down his team`s chances of retaining their title but that kind of understatement was evident right up until the final few games of last season`s campaign. However, this game will give them a chance to lay down a marker against a side they will be expected to beat comfortably.

Team news

Hull City possible starting line-up: Jakupovic Odubajo, Dawson, Davies, Robertson Livermore, Huddlestone Elmohamady, Snodgrass, Diomande Hernandez

Leicester City possible starting line-up: Schmeichel Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs Mahrez, Drinkwater, King, Albrighton Musa, Vardy

Recent form (All comps)

Hull City: LWWDW

Leicester City: LLLWW

Betting odds and tips

After a mixed pre-season campaign, Leicester did show glimpses of form in the last couple of friendlies including the Community Shield defeat to Manchester United. New signing Ahmed Musa could partner Jamie Vardy up front after the youngster impressed in the recent friendly against Barcelona.

Hull City are still without a coach and that could have a serious impact on their preparations for this season. However, they did remain unbeaten throughout most of their pre-season campaign until a 2-1 reverse to Italian side Torino last week.

You can back Leicester City to win at 11/10 with Bet365

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365
#Ad


Any odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of publishing (09/08/2016) but are subject to change.

09/08/2016     © Frixo 2024

Comment on this preview
Your Name:
Your Email:
What is  + 7
Commment: