Date: Saturday, November 23 Venue: KC Stadium Kick-Off: 15:00 Can Hull pile further pressure on still-managerless Crystal Palace when the two sides meet in the Premier League on Saturday?
Team News
Hull manager Steve Bruce could hand a return to goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who has returned from his thigh injury quicker than expected. Robbie Brady and Robert Koren are also back in contention after recovering from injuries of their own, but Stephen Quinn is out after picking up a hamstring injury on international duty. Crystal Palace have been boosted by news that Jonny Williams is fit again, but Adlene Guedioura remains out with serious injury after fracturing ribs and suffering a partly collapsed lung earlier this month. (BBC)
Key Stats
There have only been five goals scored in the five league matches played at the KC Stadium this season. Palace have not won any of their last 18 Premier League away matches since a 1-0 victory at Birmingham City in October 2004. The two sides have given away seven penalties this season in the league - Crystal Palace four and Hull three. The Tigers have conceded just one goal at home.
It's amazing to think, but it's now been a whole month since Ian Holloway stepped aside as manager of Crystal Palace, and only now does it look as though a permanent successor is set to be named. Tony Pulis is reportedly waiting in the wings but caretaker manager Keith Millen takes charge for this one, and Palace's inability to steady the ship could have severe consequences come the end of the season. Rock bottom of the Premier League, the Eagles have won just one of their 11 fixtures this season, losing nine, and it's pitiful form such as this that very much makes them relegation fodder. Hull have an opportunity to cast their opponents further adrift of safety with a win on Saturday, and will look to do just that in the hope they can put the 4-1 bashing to Southampton last time out behind them. Steve Bruce's side are hardly firing on all cylinders themselves but should have too much for Palace, for whom the game could be up by Christmas. 2-0
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
