Hull City and Ipswich Town meet in the Premier League for the first time with both on 10 points

Hull City host Ipswich Town at the MKM Stadium on Saturday in the first top-flight meeting between the clubs. Both sides have 10 points from eight games, and victory would take Hull above Derby County's record low of 11 points.

  • Competition: Premier League
  • Venue: MKM Stadium
  • Date: Saturday
  • Current standings: Hull City 10th on 10 points; Ipswich Town also on 10 points
  • At stake: Hull could surpass Derby County's record low of 11 points with a win
  • Form: Hull unbeaten at home this season; Ipswich drew last time out against Nottingham Forest

The numbers

  • Hull City's record: Two wins, four draws, two defeats from eight games (10 points)
  • Ipswich Town's record: Three wins, four defeats, one draw from eight games (10 points)
  • Last season's Championship gap: 11 points separated the two clubs, with Ipswich finishing second behind Coventry City and Hull winning promotion via the play-offs at Wembley
  • Head-to-head: Hull were unbeaten in 14 games against Ipswich in league and cup before losing four and drawing one of the last five
  • Derby County's record: 11 points – the lowest in Premier League history
  • Hull's winless run: Six Premier League games without a victory (two defeats in that time)

Why this is a defining game for Hull City

Hull City's start to the season has been built on resilience rather than ruthlessness. Sergej Jakirovic has overseen two wins, four draws and two defeats, and the Tigers are unbeaten at the MKM Stadium. That home record will be tested by an Ipswich side managed by Gary O'Neil, who have also collected 10 points from three wins, four defeats and a solitary draw.

The context of last season adds spice. Hull won promotion through the play-offs at Wembley, while Ipswich finished second behind Coventry City, 11 points clear of the Tigers in the Championship. Some Ipswich fans felt their campaign was underwhelming despite the instant return to the Premier League. Now both clubs are level in the top flight, and the incentive is clear: a win would take Hull above Derby County's 11-point record, a mark that some suggested they would break after their play-off final victory.

Victories have been hard to come by for Hull since their first away game of the season at Coventry City in late August. They have drawn four and lost two since, including a 2-2 draw at Chelsea where they came from behind to lead 2-1 before Joao Pedro equalised, and a chaotic 2-2 at Newcastle where they fell 2-0 down inside 10 minutes. At home to Brentford on Sunday, they were the better side for an hour but had to settle for a point. The pattern is clear: Hull compete, but they struggle to kill games off.

Tactical analysis: where the game will be won

Sergej Jakirovic has set Hull up to be compact and difficult to beat at home. The draw with Brentford highlighted their ability to control long spells, but also their vulnerability when momentum shifts. Against an Ipswich side that has won three games, the onus will be on Hull to turn territorial control into goals. The Tigers have not won since late August, and their six-game winless run includes four draws – fine margins that could easily have yielded more.

Gary O'Neil's Ipswich have been more volatile: three wins and four defeats from eight. Their solitary draw came last time out at home to Nottingham Forest. That result suggests O'Neil has tightened things up, but Ipswich's away form will be tested by a Hull crowd sensing a landmark opportunity.

The head-to-head record is worth noting. Hull were unbeaten in 14 league and cup meetings with Ipswich before losing four and drawing one of the last five. If Jakirovic's side can reverse that trend, they would take another huge step towards top-flight survival. With less than a third of the season gone, nothing is decided, but points on the board early are especially crucial for a newly-promoted team targeting 40 points.

Talking points

  • Is a win over Ipswich now a must, not a bonus? Hull have drawn four of eight and face Arsenal away next – three points here would ease the pressure.
  • Gary O'Neil's Ipswich have won three but lost four. Does that attacking intent make them vulnerable at the MKM Stadium?
  • Hull's home fortress has held so far, but they have won just twice all season. Is it time for Jakirovic to be more adventurous?
  • The Derby record looms. Should Hull embrace the chance to surpass 11 points, or is that a distraction from the bigger goal?

What happens next

After Saturday's game, Hull City travel to the Emirates to face the champions, knowing they must improve on their last trip to London against Fulham. Then, after the international break, the Premier League settles into a run of 10 games before the FA Cup third round in early January, including meetings with Manchester City and Liverpool. Points are precious, and Saturday is the perfect time to scrap for three.

Frequently asked questions

Have Hull City and Ipswich Town ever played each other in the Premier League?

No, Saturday's match at the MKM Stadium will be the first top-flight meeting between the two clubs.

What is Hull City's record this season?

Hull have won two, drawn four and lost two of their opening eight games, sitting 10th on 10 points.

How many points would Hull City have if they win?

A victory would take them to 13 points, surpassing Derby County's record low of 11 points in the Premier League.

Filed under: Match Previews | LA Premier League Home