Hull v Sunderland preview
By Tiger Tim
December 19 2008
Hull take on Manager less Sunderland this weekend looking to extend their unbeaten run to 6 games. Hull are 6th in the table and are only 4 points off 4th placed Aston Villa . It hasn't been the best of season so far for Sunderland their currently lay in the relegation zone. Their did however record a confidence boosting 4-0 win over fellow struggler's West Brom last time out.
Team news
Hull Defender Andy Dawson could return however Paul McShane who picked up an injury against Liverpool last week is defiently out . Even if he was Fit he wouldn't be able to play as he is on loan from Sunderland. Caleb Folan is also out . Anthony Gardner and Craig Fagan are still doubtful both could make the bench but neither are likely to start.
Sunderland are with out George McCartney who expected to be out until February, Dean Whitehead is doubtful with a dead leg. David Connolly and Craig Gorden and both out and so is long term absentee Darren Ward.
Manager Views
Phil Brown :
"It's not a Sunderland side we were expecting to play at this stage of the season with them in the bottom three,If you look at their team on paper, they've got a fantastic outfit. They've got strength in depth and a number of options in their strike force."
"A lot of managers look at the front two of Djibril Cisse and Kenwyne Jones and they would be happy with those two.
"I think that is where their strength will be. They seem to have halted their goals against. If you get both boxes right in this division, you've got a chance. It looks as though that is what Ricky Sbragia has done and good luck to him, but hopefully we'll have something to say about that on Saturday."
Sunderland caretaker manager Ricky Sbragia:
"It's hard not to be surprised by how well Hull have done but good on them.
"Their manager Phil Brown has done a great job. He has invested well and he has them organised.
"I took over at Bolton when he left and I met him a few times.
He's very thoughtful about the game and has some great ideas which he
is putting into practice at Hull."
Head 2 Head
Hull need a victory from this 27th league meeting with Sunderland to make it level pegging in the head-to-head standings.
Every previous league meeting of these clubs has been at the second level.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Hull 10 wins, Sunderland 11, Draws 5
Prem: Hull 0 wins, Sunderland 0, Draws 0
at Hull only
League (inc PL): Hull 6 wins, Sunderland 4, Draws 3
Prem: Hull 0 wins, Sunderland 0, Draws 0
Possible starting 11's
Hull: MyHill, Dawson, Zayatte, Turner, Ricketts, Mendy, Ashbee, Boateng, Geovanni, Barmby, King Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Collins, Malbranque, Tainio, Richardson, Reid, Cisse, Jones
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: KC Stadium Date: Saturday, 20 December Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Updates on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport website & highlights on Match of the Day, Soccer Saturday,Skysports.com and football first.
Referee
Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire)
| Matches | Red | Yellow | Average |
| 12 | 2 | 51 | 4.42 |
risn' up to the challenge of our rival
Get in there!