Hull City host Newcastle United in the EFL Cup tomorrow night.
A bottom end Premier League side up against a top end Championship side often makes for an interesting cup tie. As well as presenting an excellent chance for both teams to progress, it can also provide a key indicator of where both teams are in relation to the division above/below.
In the case of Hull City vs Newcastle United, few would consider an away win an upset. In fact, the Magpies are actually the favourites heading into Tuesday nights EFL Cup quarterfinal at the KCOM Stadium, although a first defeat in 12 to Blackburn at the weekend shows they’re far from invincible.
Ahead of the two sides facing one and another for a place in the semi-finals and a genuine shot at winning the competition, which neither have ever won before, we take a look at what a combined Hull City and Newcastle United XI might look like.
Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey and Hull’s Jake Livemore both make our XI
Goalkeeper: Karl Darlow
It could be any of Karl Darlow, David Marshall, Eldin Jakupovic, Matz Sels and even Allan McGregor in goal. There is little to split all 5 goalkeepers. Marshall and Darlow are the current first choices, and Darlow edges it, having looked very accomplished since replacing Sels in the Newcastle team.
Right-Back: Vurnon Anita
It may seem strange that a man who is not naturally a right-back should make the team at right-back, but that is the case. More commonly a holding midfielder, Anita has deputised very capably at right-back this season, even earning a recall to the Netherlands team.
Hull City’s Moses Odubajo would most likely have been here in his place were it not for a long term injury which sees him out for the season. DeAndre Yedlin and Ahmed Elmohamady are both poor defensively.
Centre-Back: Michael Dawson
Michael Dawson has
With more goals than Abel Hernandez or Markus Henriksen, Michael Dawson is Hull City’s second top scorer this season. The former Tottenham captain also has one own goal to his name, and hasn’t been perfect since returning to injury, but sneaks into out XI ahead of Curtis Davies.
Centre-Back: Jamaal Lascelles
Partnering the experienced Michael Dawson is the promising Jamaal Lascelles. Signed from Nottingham Forest 2 years ago, few would expect Lascelles to have become Newcastle captain by now, but that is what has happened. By far Newcastle’s best performing centre-back this season, the 23-year-old looks like a potential future England international.
Left-Back: Andy Robertson
Andy Robertson made a late substitute appearance against West Brom at the weekend, having returned from injury, and is expected to start against Newcastle tomorrow night. The Scotland international made a rapid rise from amateur football to the Premier League in just 2 years, and is one of Hull City’s most valuable players.
Right Midfield: Robert Snodgrass
A teammate of Robertson’s for both Scotland and Hull, there’s no way Robert Snodgrass could be left out of this XI. The set piece specialist already has 5 goals this season, and will be Hull’s best chance of hurting Newcastle on Tuesday night.
Central Midfield: Jonjo Shelvey
A player who has divided opinion throughout his career, although not at Newcastle this season, Jonjo Shelvey seems to be back in his groove and putting in some top performances. He can appear casual at times, but his passing ability is superb, comparisons could be made with Hull City’s Tom Huddlestone.
Central Midfield: Jake Livermore
Either Jake Livermore, Sam Clucas or Jack Colback could partner Jonjo Shelvey in the centre of midfield. Both Livermore and Clucas have impressed in the midfield despite Hull’s tricky start to the season, and it is Livermore whose strong running and desire earns him a place in our side.
Left Midfield: Matt Ritchie
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez shakes hands with Matt Ritchie after the game
Naturally a right sided player of course, compatriots Matt Ritchie and Robert Snodgrass both have to be included but both would rather a right sided berth than a left sided one. Perhaps a half each would be a healthy compromise. Ritchie joined Newcastle from Bournemouth in the summer and is enjoying life back in the Championship.
Centre-Forward: Dwight Gayle
On current form, you’d have to be mad to leave Dwight Gayle out of this team. Rafa’s summer signing has scored 13 goals in 13 league games so far this season, making him the top scorer in the Championship.
Centre-Forward: Aleksandar Mitrovic
Who partners Dwight Gayle is a tough call between Newcastle teammate Aleksandar Mitrovic and Hull’s Abel Hernandez or Dieumerci Mbokani. Ultimately, we’ve gone with the big Serb, who’s still only 22 and has shown plenty of promise. He has 5 goals in 11 games in all competitions this season.
Who do you think will win when Hull City face Newcastle United tomorrow night?
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