Preview: Hull City vs. Sheffield United - prediction, team news, lineups

Two Championship clubs struggling at the wrong end of the table will lock horns on Saturday lunchtime when Hull City welcome Sheffield United to the KC Stadium.

The hosts have failed to secure all three points in any of their opening three home matches so far this season, while the visitors have failed to win or score in their first three away games.

Match preview

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Hull extended their winless league run to six matches when they suffered a 2-0 defeat away at Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

The Tigers have now equalled an unwanted club record of six games without scoring a goal, previously set back in 1920; they have never gone seven consecutive league matches without finding the net in their history.

Grant McCann's men sit just outside the relegation zone on goal difference after accumulating just five points from a possible 21 available.

One positive Hull can take from recent performances is that they have kept two clean sheets in their last three games, though their form in front of goal needs to improve quickly if they are to climb away from danger.

The Tigers head into Saturday's clash with Sheffield United after winning only two of their last 19 league meetings against them, losing 11 in the process.

Securing a much-needed victory at the KC Stadium could see McCann's side jump seven places into 14th.

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Sheffield United have also had a challenging start to the new campaign, though in recent weeks there have been signs of improvement, particularly in front of goal.

The Blades failed to win any of their opening five league matches and scored only once, however they have since thrashed Peterborough United 6-2, before claiming a 2-2 draw at home to Preston North End on Tuesday evening, a game in which Emil Riis Jakobsen scored a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser for the visitors.

Slavisa Jokanovic was disappointed to concede another late goal in the dying embers having previously suffered defeat to Huddersfield Town in stoppage time, and suggested his side need to cut out needless mistakes made when defending set-pieces.

A promising statistic for goal-shy Hull City this weekend is that Sheffield United have conceded at least two goals in four of their last five league matches. As one of this season's promotion favourites, the Blades need to address their defensive frailties quickly if they are to move up towards the playoffs.

Sheffield United have only lost one of their last nine away league games against Hull, and having won both of their last two Championship meetings against them in 2018-19, the visitors will be confident in claiming all three points on Saturday.

Team News

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Hull defender Alfie Jones, who has missed the last four league games with a thigh injury, is doubtful for this weekend's encounter, while midfielder George Honeyman could also miss out again with an ankle problem.

Despite failing to score in six matches, attacking trio Josh Magennis, Keane Lewis-Potter and Mallik Wilks are all expected to keep their places up front.

Manchester United loanee Di'Shon Bernard has performed well at centre-back in recent weeks and the 20-year-old is set to keep his place alongside Jacob Greaves.

As for Sheffield United, David McGoldrick (calf), Lys Mousset (hamstring), Jack O'Connell (knee), Enda Stevens (knee) and Ben Davies (COVID-19) are all unavailable for selection.

Sander Berge returned to the matchday squad in midweek and came off the bench to score against Preston. The Norwegian midfielder will now be in contention to start, though Jokanovic may find it difficult to drop one of Oliver Norwood, John Fleck or Iliman Ndiaye.

Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Morgan Gibbs-White, who has scored in successive league games since joining the club, is set to keep his place in the starting lineup, while Blades legend Billy Sharp could also start again up front ahead of Oli McBurnie and Rhian Brewster.

Hull City possible starting lineup:
Ingram; Coyle, Bernard, Greaves, Elder; Smallwood, Smith; Lewis-Potter, Moncur, Wilks; Magennis

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Olsen; Baldock, Egan, Robinson, Norrington-Davies; Norwood, Fleck; Gibbs-White, Ndiaye, Freeman; Sharp

We say: Hull City 1-2 Sheffield United

Both sides will be desperate to claim all three points on Saturday and will view this fixture as a great opportunity to return to winning ways.

Considering Sheffield United have looked vulnerable in defence, Hull may finally find the net this weekend, however we can see the visitors securing a slender victory at the KC Stadium.