Stoke City vs Hull City – Match preview and team news

Hull City travel to Stoke City’s bet365 Stadium on Tuesday for a Championship match that follows their impressive 2-0 win over Manchester United earlier this season. Stoke City, the visitors, will be seeking a morale boost after two recent defeats in the Championship. Hull, as the hosts, arrive as favorites but are expected to field a weakened lineup due to injuries and suspensions.

Stoke City will be without several key players, including Aaron Cresswell, Lamine Cisse, Bosun Lawal, Junior Tchamadeu, Ato Ampah, and Svante Ingelsson who is suspended after a red card against Southampton. Manager Mark Robins has expressed concerns about squad depth, stating that Stoke have "played really well" but are lacking in areas where they can't strengthen. Robert Bozenik may return to the starting lineup, while Tomas Rigo is set to replace Ingelsson in midfield if fit.

Hull City, on the other hand, have been in strong form, winning four of their last five matches across all competitions. They will be missing several defenders, including Eliot Matazo, Darko Gyabi, Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano, Charlie Hughes, and Joe Gelhardt. Semi Ajayi, Nobel Mendy, and Lewie Coyle are also being monitored after picking up injuries.

Manager Sergej Jakirovic is likely to switch to a back four, with John Egan most likely to be substituted. Hidemasa Morita, who has returned from a calf problem, could provide a boost in midfield.

The last encounter between these sides was a 1-0 victory for Stoke City at Hull’s MKM Stadium in the Championship on New Year’s Day. Stoke will hope that home advantage and a motivated squad can trouble Hull, who are expected to field a much-changed team for this match.