Hull City have endured a seriously difficult start to the season and their supporters here in the Tavern are struggling to figure out why it’s gone so pear shaped.
The Tigers actually won their opening two fixtures of the season but since then, they’ve endured a managerial change and a serious downturn in results to go with it.
Mike Phelan is struggling to get results and after a 2-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Stoke City last weekend, the Tigers now sit 18th in the Premier League, with just seven points to their name.
But with another busy period of fixtures coming up, their form needs to change as quickly as possible and we’d like to see them start with victory over Watford this weekend.
Some feel the Hornet’s will sting the Tigers but we’re actually tipping Phelan’s side to turn it round at Vicarage Road this weekend.
So with that in mind, here’s our Hull City XI that we think can beat Watford this weekend…
GK – David Marshall
Former Cardiff City keeper David Marshall is one bright light coming from this current Hull crop, who as a whole, are seriously underperforming.
He’s been very good at times and will keep his place in goal against the Hornets.
RB – Ahmed Elmohamady
Ahmed Elmohamady is a player that knows all too well how difficult it is to find form when results aren’t going your way.
But he’s a hard-worker and a good example on the pitch, and his endeavour could be key in any potential win over Watford.
CB – Michael Dawson
On his return from injury, former Spurs man Michael Dawson really stood firm, despite the Tigers losing against Stoke City.
His arrival back in the defence is a real boost. He’s a leader and if there is one man that can lead by example, its him.
CB – Curtis Davies
Another man who really wears his heart on his sleeve his Curtis Davies, who as you’d expect has been decent this season.
The former Birmingham City man always gives his all, and with Michael Dawson back alongside him, the Tigers’ chances of turning their season around are definitely raised.
LB – Sam Clucas
Former Leicester City man Sam Clucas has filled in at left-back extremely well at times when necessary and his form is a real positive to take from a difficult couple of weeks.
CDM – Tom Huddlestone
Former Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone is another man with enough experience under his belt who could really do with stepping it up to help turn Hull’s fortunes around.
The 29-year-old is now in his fourth season with the Tigers and has been ever-present since his move from Tottenham.
CDM – David Meyler
Former Sunderland midfielder David Meyler knows just how to scrap in a relegation battle and his side will hope to call on his past experience to help them out of their current predicament.
LW – Shaun Maloney
Injury to Robert Snodgrass means his Scottish international team-mate Shaun Maloney is more than likely set to step into the first-team in his absence.
Although not your typical wide man, he’s played on the flank in the past and will provide a more skilful and measured approach on the wing.
CAM – Jake Livermore
Another former Spurs player in this lineup is Jake Livermore, who is getting a very real taste of the other end of the table after his time at White Hart Lane.
Off-the-field controversies had blighted him for months but if there is one player good enough to help Hull out of this mess, it’s Livermore.
RW – Abel Hernandez
Again, whilst Abel Hernandez is more of a natural forward, he has played wide during his spells in Italy and we’d like to see Mike Phelan give everything to get the points against Watford.
He’s not been in the best form of his career but more playing time and an increased drive throughout the whole team could be his trigger to start scoring again.
ST – Will Keane
Former Manchester United man Will Keane really needs to start firing if he is to help his new side to survival come the end of the season.
He’s got a big point to prove after struggling to make the grade at Old Trafford and there is no better environment to stop the rot than at Hull, where they are desperate for a goalscorer.
