Crucial As Usual - Hull game preview

Sixth in the league after approximately 1/5 of the season is not a bad position to be in.
Add to that two celebrated internationals yet to figure in the starting line-up and we should be fine!

Bellamy and Collins were singled out as brilliant in the Welsh game against Germany on Wednesday (whether 2 persons can be singled out is yet to be decided by the board of education and btw I didn't watch the game).
Obviously, if they shine against Schweinsteiger, Mertesacker and Klose, they are certainly good enough to play against Dawson, Ashbee and Folan (King seems to be out) Edit 2008-10-18: King seems to be fit to play after all.

If Bellamy had a few more days to recover he would be starting alongside Cole and Etherington. However, now I think/fear that Zola will introduce him in the second half since it’s doubtful that he is fit enough to play a third full game within a week.

Collins is facing fierce competition from Neill, and maybe Davenport, for the spot alongside Upson, see Dicks post above.

Hull has played a more constructive and attacking game so far this season than most were anticipating. They pulled back and defended against Arsenal but also in the lead they pushed forward against a hapless Tottenham.
I think this may suit us well, creating a more open game than the one against Bolton, permitting fast play on the wings. Etherington may well have another possibility to shine.

Parkers performance will be crucial as usual. He has a confident Hull midfield to handle and his defensive abilities will be as vital as his creative side to make sure that Geovanni will not be as successful as in his last games.

Speaking of Geovanni and his lethal free kicks, it seems like the Tigers enjoy all dead ball situations. If my quick research is right, most of their goals emanate from corners or free kicks. To defend against those seem not to have been a priority of Mr Zola, but we need to stay sharp in front of the goal if this is to be a good Sunday.

This brings us to the last preview topic: is Green OK? He pulled out of the England squad after sustaining a knee injury during training. It’s been very quiet about this from the Club, so I fear the worst. The Butterfinger performance aside, he has done well for the club so far this season and Lastuvka’s didn’t impress in the League Cup game at Watford.