Hull City's League Cup journey resumes with a tricky trip to the bet365 Stadium to face Stoke City in the second round, and Tigers supporters are eager to see how Tim Walter's revolution fares under the midweek floodlights. The new German head coach has overseen a mixed start to the Championship campaign, but the Carabao Cup offers a welcome distraction and a realistic opportunity to build momentum. With the match set to be broadcast live, here is everything you need to know about the clash, including TV coverage, live stream details, kick-off time and the early team news from both camps.

When and where is Stoke City v Hull City?

The tie takes place on Tuesday, 27th August 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 PM BST at the bet365 Stadium, the home of the Potters. It is a fixture that pits two clubs with proud traditions against one another, both seeking a return to the Premier League. For Hull City, affectionately known as the Tigers, this will be their first visit to Stoke since a 2-0 defeat in February 2023, when the home side were managed by Alex Neil. Since then, the landscape has shifted considerably at both clubs, with new managers at the helm and fresh philosophies being implemented.

How to watch Stoke City v Hull City on TV and live stream

For supporters unable to make the journey to the Potteries, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ in the United Kingdom. This dedicated red-button service, which has revolutionised coverage of the EFL, will allow fans to stream the game via the Sky Go app or Now TV. Coverage is expected to begin at 7:30 PM, giving viewers fifteen minutes of pre-match build-up before the 7:45 PM start. For those overseas, the match may also be available on the Carabao Cup's international broadcast partners, but supporters should check local listings. As always, Hull City's official website and social media channels will provide live text commentary and updates for those who prefer a more traditional matchday experience.

Team news and tactical preview

Tim Walter is expected to ring the changes after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Sheffield United, a match in which the Tigers showed promise but ultimately fell short. The German tactician, known for his high-pressing, possession-based style, will likely use this cup tie to give valuable minutes to squad players and those on the fringes of the first team. Goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, who has yet to make his competitive debut, could be handed a start, while defenders like Alfie Jones and Callum Chambers may also feature. In midfield, the energetic Xavier Simons and the experienced Jean Michael Seri could be rotated, with the likes of Marvin Mehlem and Ryan Giles pushing for starts. Up front, the prolific Chris Bedia will be eager to open his account for the club, having arrived from Union Berlin in the summer.

Stoke City, under the guidance of Steven Schumacher, will also look to make changes, but the Potters have injury concerns. Their key midfielder, Jordan Thompson, and forward, Sam Gallagher, are both doubts for the tie, which could force Schumacher to field a slightly stronger side than anticipated. Stoke have had a decent start to their league campaign, sitting mid-table, and will be keen to progress in a competition they last won in 1972. The bet365 Stadium has often been a fortress for the Potters, and Hull City will need to be at their best to overcome a side that boasts physicality and set-piece prowess.

A brief history of Hull City in the League Cup

Hull City's relationship with the League Cup has been a curious one. The Tigers have reached the semi-finals on three occasions – in 1975, 1977, and most notably in 2017 under Marco Silva, when they pushed Manchester United all the way before losing 3-2 on aggregate. That run, which included memorable victories over Liverpool and Newcastle United, remains a golden memory for supporters of a certain age. However, the club have never lifted the trophy, and in recent seasons, they have often been eliminated early. Last year, under Liam Rosenior, Hull suffered a disappointing first-round exit at home to Doncaster Rovers, losing 2-1. Tim Walter will be determined to avoid a similar upset and will see this competition as a chance to instil a winning mentality within his squad.

What to expect and prediction

Given the likely rotation on both sides, this could be a closely contested affair. Hull City's new style under Walter is still a work in progress, but the German's philosophy is clear: dominate possession, press aggressively, and play out from the back. That approach was evident in patches against Sheffield United, but the Tigers were undone by defensive lapses. Stoke, meanwhile, are a robust Championship outfit who will look to make it difficult for Hull to play through them. The Potters have made the bet365 Stadium a difficult place to visit, and their fans will create a raucous atmosphere.

For Hull City, a cup run could provide a welcome boost, but the priority remains the league. Walter may use this fixture to assess fringe players and give valuable experience to younger members of the squad. A draw after 90 minutes would lead to a penalty shoot-out, which adds an extra layer of unpredictability. However, I fancy the Tigers to edge it in regular time, with a 2-1 victory that would set up a third-round tie against Premier League opposition. The likes of Bedia and Mehlem could be the difference-makers, and a positive result would send the Hull City faithful home happy, dreaming of a memorable cup run under their new manager.

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