Hull City View for Stoke City

Last updated : 04 November 2009 By Andy Beill

Hull have had a poor start to the season, especially for a promoted side, whilst Stoke are in a more than acceptable 9th, and take on Hull on the back of an impressive win at ''The Lane'' in the last away trip. Do you think the hosts have a good chance of picking up three points?
Both games against Stoke last season we felt like we should have been able to get better results... but somehow just couldn't do it. It's going to be a monumental occasion on Sunday, with the return of chairman Adam Pearson and possibly the end of Phil Brown's time in charge.

The Potters are well known for a physical style but what kind of style are Hull likely to play?
We've not really had a consistent style of play from one week to the next. We've had some spirited, hard-working performances, and we've had more abject performances. Neither style has come with much skill or dominance of the game.

Vennegoor of Hesslink has played as a lone striker with attacking players in midfield, but service - particularly from the full backs - has been dreadful and he can't create things on his own.

Phil Brown is adament he has a secure job, yet press reports state otherwise. What are your views on the gaffer and what bearing will the Stoke result have on his Hull future?
The new chairman's not had chance to see to replacing the manager in his short time back at the club so Brown's had a stay of execution. We were unlucky with refereeing decisions at Burnley, but we weren't good enough to get a result anyway. If the same happens against Stoke the chairman's got to consider if there are better options available, and he's never been afraid to give someone the sack. Most of us fans want Brown to succeed but have lost faith that he will.

Are there any Stoke players you are wary of?
Etherington, Lawrence and Fuller were the main men in your win at The Circle last season.

Who should we keep an eye out for?
Our best player, Geovanni, will be suspended. Kamel Ghilas may be given a more prominent role in his absence - he looks like he could be a good player.

Kamil Zayatte has been one of our best performers this season. He'll either be at centre back, where we're lacking in options although do have Anthony Gardner back at long last, or in between defence and midfield - a position he's performed excellently in.

Stephen Hunt and Seyi Olofinjana have looked good in fits and bursts but not often enough.

Brown needs to sort out his differences with Daniel Cousin, Bernard Mendy, Craig Fagan and George Boateng to give himself the best chance of getting results. They'll probably be gone in January but their stock must be low at the moment after being out of the picture for so long.

We're told Jimmy Bullard's good. He's not expected to play a part in Sunday's game.

...and finally, a prediction?
Nick Barmby will be back in the side giving it his all and inspiring others to do the same. We won't have enough style or purpose to our play though to seriously threaten to win it. 1-1 draw.

Answered by Andy Beill for Stoke City Mad's "Opposition's View"