Preview: Hull City vs Liverpool

Liverpool are coming off what seems like a triumphant win at home against Chelsea, but it was actually a 1-1 draw

For any Liverpool fan, a draw against top-of-the-table Chelsea feels like a win after the past ten January fixtures. Now, as the calendar turns to February can the Red’s build on their success against Chelsea? They will have to go through Hull City first. So, let’s preview the Hull City vs Liverpool match-up.

Liverpool Analysis

On Saturday, the Red’s face their second match against Hull City this year. Earlier this season, Liverpool demolished the Tigers 5-1 at Anfield. This was when they were playing top-notch football, but now they are coming off a very rocky January.

Against Hull City, James Milner has proven to be a deadly weapon, contributing two goals of five in his earlier match against Hull City. Look for the left-back to have another big game, even if he doesn’t score a goal. Milner is a key to Liverpool’s success

In addition, the return of Sadio Mane to the Liverpool side is a large boost. I believe the Reds will return to their league leading scoring form with Mane’s help. Currently, Liverpool have attempted 143 shots on target with 52 goals scored. Imagine what those stats would be if they had not hit their January skid.

Scoring might be Liverpool’s strength but there is a weakness between the posts. Their weakness in-goal, this season, has been the lower-left section. 50% of the time Liverpool concede a goal in that area. Hopefully, Mignolet has focused on this in training. Fans have already seen that he can defend his weak spot with a fantastic save against Diego Costa’s penalty kick.

That being said, Liverpool will look to take advantage of their opponents lower-left section as well. Hull City concede goals 35% of the time in that section.

Overall, look for Liverpool to build on their successes from the match against Chelsea. I believe this Saturday the boys in red will give us fans and to rejoice about…

Know Your Enemy: Hull City

Oh Hull City… in their last game they drew 0-0 against Manchester United and in their previous five matches against Liverpool, Hull City have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 2. That is an impressive given Hull City is not seen as a powerful force in the Premier League.

In their match up against Liverpool, Hull City will be a much less feared side due to the selling of their best player Robert Snodgrass to West Ham United for £10.2m. With the loss of their main attacker, Hull City have no chance against a re-energized Liverpool side.

Something to note, Hull City has replaced Mike Phelan with Marco Silva. Plus Hull has brought in eight players during the January window, completely changing their side. So yes, they are a much less feared side than Chelsea but the Reds need not be lazy against them.

Hull City is the only side in the Premier League not to keep a clean sheet at home. Their draw against Manchester United last Wednesday is their second clean sheet all season. In comparison to other Premier League sides, only Sunderland have allowed more shots on target than Hull City. Essentially, their defense is lacking.

With this in mind lets look at some stats, Hull City tend to concede their goals in the lower-left and right sections of the goal, 30% and 36% respectively. But when Hull City does score, which is rare, 40% of the time they score when targeting the lower-left part of the goal. Remember this is Liverpool’s weak side.

Overall, I believe Hull are not a threat to the boys in red!

Starting XI

Mignolet
Clyne, Matip, Lovern, Milner
Lallana, Henderson, Wijnaldum
Mane, Firmino, Coutinho

Predictions

Hull City 1 – 3 Liverpool

Goals: Firmino, Coutinho, Milner

How To Watch

Saturday February 4, 2017

US: Live on NBCSN – 10:00am ET