Hull City vs Ipswich Town: Five key battles that could decide MKM Stadium clash
Hull City welcome Ipswich Town to the MKM Stadium on Saturday (3pm) for a crucial Premier League encounter. According to kingsofanglia.com, five individual battles could decide the outcome, from John Egan against Emersonn to Konstantinos Tzolakis against Christian Walton.
- Date: Saturday (kick-off 3pm)
- Opponent: Ipswich Town
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: MKM Stadium
- Key fact: Five key battles identified by kingsofanglia.com could decide the game
Team news
Hull City's defensive line-up is uncertain, with John Egan, Semi Ajayi and Lucas Herrington starting against Fulham, but Nobel Mendy might return from injury. Oli McBurnie has been the Tigers' talisman under Sergej Jakirovic, notching an assist against Chelsea and scoring from the spot against Brentford last weekend. Tim Iroegbunam has had a stop-start year through injury but is starting to find his feet at the MKM Stadium. Mo Belloumi has three goals and two assists in eight Premier League appearances this season. Konstantinos Tzolakis has been Hull's best player this season, with three clean sheets and eight goals conceded in eight games.
Starting XI: Not confirmed by the source.
What was said
"If the Brazilian can win the physical battle, it should open up a lot of space, which will be important given the Tigers’ rigid defensive positioning."
"Tzolakis has probably been Hull’s best player this season, and is widely considered to be one of the top goalkeepers outside of the ‘big six’ clubs."
The numbers
Konstantinos Tzolakis ranks second in the Premier League for saves per 90 (3.90), behind Chelsea's Emi Martinez. He has three clean sheets and has conceded eight goals in eight games. Mo Belloumi has three goals and two assists in eight appearances, matching his goal total from last season's Championship campaign. Oli McBurnie scored his first goal of the season in Hull's 1-1 draw against Brentford last weekend.
Five key battles
John Egan v Emersonn: Egan, 34, is a Republic of Ireland international with plenty of Premier League experience but is not as mobile as he used to be. Emersonn, Ipswich's starting striker, can exploit that if he wins the physical battle, opening space given Hull's rigid defensive positioning. Zian Flemming and Chuba Akpom are options from the bench.
Oli McBurnie v Dara O'Shea: McBurnie is a real nuisance whose positioning causes problems and whose physical side helps him bully defenders. O'Shea kept Liam Delap quiet at Portman Road last week despite seeing his shirt ripped, and came out on top in this duel when the teams last met in the Championship in March.
Tim Iroegbunam v Julio Enciso: Iroegbunam, a no-nonsense midfield anchor, protects Hull's back line and will aim to prevent Enciso from getting into the final third. Enciso's remarkable ability on the ball can break through Hull's defensive shape, but he must press from the off to leave Iroegbunam no space.
Mo Belloumi v Leif Davis: Belloumi, 24, is the closest Hull have to an Enciso-type profile. Davis has improved defensively but faces another top test; he will need protection from whoever plays in front of him, and they can combine to overwhelm Hull right-back Lewie Coyle to open space for crosses.
Konstantinos Tzolakis v Christian Walton: Not a direct duel but an important one. Tzolakis has been Hull's best player this season and is widely considered one of the top goalkeepers outside the 'big six'. His saves per 90 of 3.90 ranks second in the division behind Chelsea's Emi Martinez, and he has three clean sheets, conceding just eight goals in eight games. Walton should expect a busy afternoon too, as Hull have been clinical with their chances and he will need to command his area well during set pieces.
Talking points
- Can Emersonn exploit John Egan's lack of mobility and win the physical battle to open up space?
- Will Oli McBurnie's physicality overwhelm Dara O'Shea, or can the Ipswich captain repeat his Championship success?
- Can Konstantinos Tzolakis continue his outstanding form and make the big save that decides the game?
What happens next
Hull City will look to build on their 1-1 draw against Brentford when they face Ipswich Town on Saturday. The match could be decided by fine margins, with a big save from either goalkeeper proving vital. Following this fixture, Hull will continue their Premier League campaign, with further details to be confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is Hull City vs Ipswich Town?
The match takes place on Saturday at 3pm at the MKM Stadium.
Who are the key players to watch in this game?
According to kingsofanglia.com, the key battles include John Egan v Emersonn, Oli McBurnie v Dara O'Shea, Tim Iroegbunam v Julio Enciso, Mo Belloumi v Leif Davis and Konstantinos Tzolakis v Christian Walton.
What are Konstantinos Tzolakis's stats this season?
Tzolakis has three clean sheets, has conceded eight goals in eight games, and ranks second in the Premier League for saves per 90 (3.90), behind Chelsea's Emi Martinez.
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