The Pilgrims travel to Hull on Saturday, where they will go into the tie as the underdogs. When the two sides last met in 2021, the Tigers were victorious, winning 3-0.
Hull
Liam Rosenior’s Hull have been very impressive this season and they thoroughly deserve their current Championship standing of 4th after eight games. Since the opening defeat to Norwich, the Tigers have gone on a run of seven games unbeaten, winning four games and drawing three. It is clear that Hull’s biggest strength is in the defensive department, as they’ve conceded just eight goals thus far. Furthermore, Hull have also not been defeated at the MKM Stadium this season, however they have drawn 75% of their home matches.
Last time out, Hull travelled to Stoke City and collected another three points in a comfortable 3-1 victory. The Tigers enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half and Aaron Connolly opened the scoring in the 30th minute, which made him the joint highest scorer in the league, with five. Just two minutes later, Adama Traore added the second and Hull cruised into the break with a two goal lead. Rosenior’s side were happy to hold onto their advantage in the second half, but they were still a threat in attack, with substitute, Scott Twine, netting in the 73rd minute. Ryan Allsop will be disappointed to have not kept a clean sheet, as Andre Vidigal scored for the hosts.
Plymouth
Plymouth haven’t looked like a recently promoted team so far this season and it is evident that Steven Schumacher isn’t willing to change his sides approach, regardless of the opponent. The Argyle are in 12th place after eight games with a respectable record of three wins, one draw and four losses. A key feature of all of Plymouth’s games this season, has been goals. The Pilgrims boast the third highest overall goals per game record in the league, with an average of 3.63, and they also have the third best goals scored ratio of two goals per game. However, that statistic significantly decreases on the road where they average 0.75 goals scored per game.
In their most recent game, Plymouth hit Norwich for six, as the Argyle beat the canaries 6-2 at home. Schumachers side displayed a counter-attack masterclass and by the hour mark, they were five goals up. Fin Azaz and Morgan Whittaker starred in the game, with the latter picking up the match ball, taking his goal contribution tally to seven for the season, only one behind his team mate and the league’s top contributor, Ryan Hardie.
Verdict?
Hull are on an excellent run but the 6-2 hammering of Norwich will have provided Plymouth with plenty of confidence. The Tigers have seen both teams score in 75% of their home games this season, and given the Argyles free flowing attack, I believe both teams will score. This contest will be tight and either side could steal all three points, however, a draw is the most likely outcome.
The final prediction is Hull 1-1 Plymouth.
