Prediction: Hull City vs Newcastle

Verdict: Newcastle to qualify

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: bet365

Premier League strugglers Hull City take on Championship leaders Newcastle United in what should be a very interesting game at KCOM Stadium. With a place in the EFL Cup semi-final at stake, the motivation will not be lacking for either of the sides.

Hull City

After a large turmoil in the club and poorly done summer transfer window, Hull City were seen as the main candidates for the drop, but the team somehow managed to enjoy a bright start to the new Premier League campaign. The good run was, however, short-lived as the Tigers quickly returned to where they belong, and currently sit in the bottom three. And while they have lost eight of last eleven Premier League fixtures, Hull City did pretty well in the English Football League Cup, defeating the likes of Exeter City, Stoke City and Bristol City to reach the quarter-finals. The interesting thing is that all those wins were achieved on the road, meaning this will be their first home game in this year’s competition. Seeing as how the Tigers could really use a morale-boosting win at the moment, chances are that Mike Phelan will be looking to field a strong side against red-hot Newcastle United. Hull City were beaten by Manchester City in last year’s quarter-finals, but they now have a much better chance to secure their progress to the last four even though the game against Magpies will be anything but a walk in the park.

Team News

Hull City boss Mike Phelan has promised to field a strong side in the EFL Cup clash vs Newcastle United, but summer recruit Ryan Mason misses out through illness.

At the same time, Abel Hernandez, Shaun Maloney, Alex Bruce, Will Keane and Moses Odubajo remain in the treatment room.

Newcastle

Newcastle United could do little to avoid the drop last season, but they have since largely impressed in the Championship. Oddly enough, the Magpies lost the first two games of the new campaign, but they then went on to 13 of next 15 fixtures to climb to the league summit. The excellent run of results finally came to an end as Newcastle were beaten at home by Blackburn Rovers, but they, nonetheless, hold a six-point advantage over third placed Reading. Rafa Benitez’s decision to rest his starters backfired as his side ended a nine-match winning run, but that is enough to suggest that the Magpies are dead set on beating Hull City to a place in the EFL Cup semis. And given Hull City’s latest performances and a number of important missings, it is hardly surprising that the visitors have been made favourites to win. Newcastle have scored a total of ten goals in this year’s competition, keeping a clean sheet in each of those, and they have every right to feel confident ahead of the trip to KCOM Stadium. Four straight away wins are another reason for optimism.

Team News

The likes of Dwight Gayle, Paul Dummet, Vurnon Anita, Momo Diame and Jamal Lascelles are all set to be recalled to the side.

Key Factors to Consider

• Newcastle won nine of last ten games
• The Magpies have yet to concede in this year’s EFL Cup (W3)
• Newcastle won on last two trips to KCOM Stadium
• Hull City lost 8 of last 11 Premier League fixtures
• Rafa Benitez rested six starters at the weekend

Conclusion

Hull City are going through a very rough patch at the moment, and they don’t seem capable of stopping high-flying Newcastle United in their tracks. Having rested some key men at the weekend, the Magpies will be in better shape than the opposition and we are backing them to progress to the EFL Cup semi-final.

Verdict: Newcastle to qualify

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: bet365