Tuesday English League Cup Preview – Hull City vs Newcastle United
November 29, 2016 19:45pm – KCOM Stadium
English League Cup – Quarter-Finals
Recent Form (All competitions)
Hull City: DLWLW
Newcastle United: LWWWW
Hull City will look to give their flagging season a boost when they face Championship pace-setters Newcastle United in the English League Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night.
After a bright start to their Premier League return, in which they won their opening two games, the Yorkshire club have since faded badly and are now languishing in the relegation zone.
A recent win against Southampton and last Saturday’s draw against West Bromwich Albion may have hinted at a possible recovery. However, securing a place in the last four of the League Cup could give the Tigers’ season a real boost.
Mike Phelan will be hoping that Ryan Mason recovers from illness in time for this clash but he will have to make do without the injured group of Abel Hernandez, Will Keane, Shaun Maloney, Moses Odubajo, Greg Luer and Alex Bruce.
Hull’s path to the quarter-finals has consisted of three away wins at Exeter City (1-3), Stoke City (1-2) and Bristol City (1-2).
Meanwhile, Newcastle United have been enjoying life under new boss Rafael Benitez. In stark contrast to Hull City, the northeast club started their season with two straight defeats before going on a run of 15 league games featuring 13 wins, one draw and two defeats.
As a result, the Geordies have risen to the top of the Championship table, where they currently enjoy a two-point lead over closest rivals Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Magpies come into this game on the back of a shock 0-1 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers that broke a nine-game winning streak in all competitions. However, the Spanish coach rested several players including three of the regular back four for that game – perhaps with one eye on this vital cup clash.
Jack Colback could return for the Toon by luckless Jesus Gamez is out again after suffering a suspected broken collar bone in the game against Brighton on Saturday.
Prediction
This game will give Newcastle a great chance to see how they measure up to Premier League opposition.
Rafa Benitez has previously won cups competitions at Napoli, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Valencia and is obviously taking this tournament very seriously.
Hull City have won just one of their last six home matches in all competitions this season and may lack the confidence of their rivals.
You can back Newcastle to win at a price of 6/5 with our recommended bookmaker Betfair.