Preston vs Hull Prediction - Championship

The Championship clash at Deepdale on 26 December offers a mid-table showdown as Preston North End hosts Hull City. This is the 23rd round, marking the halfway point in the season, and both teams are aiming to climb away from the relegation zone.

Preston, currently 18th with 23 points, has shown resilience with no losses in their last five matches (LDWDD) and are the bookmakers’ favourites. Their top scorer, Emil Riis Jakobsen, with 5 goals, will be key. Preston to win Draw No Bet appears a secure bet, especially given their solid form and home advantage.

Hull City, placed 21st with 19 points, has struggled of late with four defeats in their last five games (WLDLL). They are plagued by injuries and are missing key players like Harvey Cartwright and Liam Millar. However, Joao Pedro, their lead scorer with 4 goals, remains a crucial threat.

Expect clear skies and cold weather, adding to the festive atmosphere. Betting on Preston seems the safest option, given their better form and home support.

Preston vs. Hull Prediction & Betting Tip

The recommended bet for this match is Preston to win Draw No Bet. Here’s why this is a solid choice:

• Preston hasn’t lost in their last five matches, showing resilience and form.
• Hull has suffered four defeats in their last five outings, pointing to significant struggles.
• Playing at home gives Preston an added advantage, combined with Hull’s numerous injuries.

• Preston’s current form and home support make them favorites.
• Hull City’s recent poor performance doesn’t inspire confidence.
• Preston’s unbeaten streak indicates a stable and reliable side.

Preston vs Hull Odds

The upcoming Championship clash between Preston and Hull offers interesting betting opportunities. Preston, the favorite, holds the upper hand with home advantage and better recent form.

Here’s a quick look at the betting odds:

Preston’s unbeaten streak and the bookmakers’ confidence in their win at Deepdale are clear indicators. Hull’s recent struggles and injury woes offer less optimism for an upset. Well-informed fans will likely lean towards Preston, especially with a ‘Draw No Bet’ recommendation at odds of 1.76.

Preston Team Analysis

Preston has shown a mixed bag of results in their last five outings, exhibiting resilience and scoring consistency. Their latest performance is summarized below:

Preston Key Players

Preston’s key players are expected to heavily influence the match against Hull. Leading their attacking effort is Emil Riis Jakobsen, the top scorer with five goals this season. His clinical finishing will be crucial for breaking down Hull’s defense. In midfield, Alistair McCann and Stefan Thordarson play pivotal roles in both defense and attack, providing stability and creativity. Kaine Kesler-Hayden’s ability to assist from the left flank adds further options. Defensively, the absence of Liam Lindsay (suspended) means Jack Whatmough, Jordan Storey, and Andrew Hughes will need to step up to maintain solidity. Expected lineup for Preston:

• Goalkeeper: Freddie Woodman
• Defenders: Jordan Storey, Jack Whatmough, Andrew Hughes
• Midfielders: Brad Potts, Alistair McCann, Stefan Thordarson, Kaine Kesler-Hayden
• Attackers: Milutin Osmajic, Sam Greenwood, Mads Frøkjær-Jensen

Preston Suspensions & Injuries

Preston will have to navigate their match against Hull without key defender Liam Lindsay, who is serving a one-match suspension due to a red card. His absence could disrupt the defensive solidity that the team depends on. Ched Evans is the only player listed with an injury. His return is anticipated in late December 2024, but his absence is still a blow to Preston’s attacking options.

Preston Tactics and Formation

Preston Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3, 4-2-3-1 (varies based on opponents)
• Key Forward: Milutin Osmajic
• Midfield Dynamism: Featuring Brad Potts and Alistair McCann
• Defensive Solidity: Bolstered by Jordan Storey and Jack Whatmough
• Pressing Strategy: Aggressive pressing in the middle third

Paul Heckingbottom’s team is versatile, often alternating between a 3-4-3 and a 4-2-3-1 formation. This tactical flexibility aims to keep oppositions guessing and maximize the effectiveness of key players like Emil Riis Jakobsen and Milutin Osmajic up front.

With Lindsay suspended, the backline will likely see some reshuffling, but the solid pairing of Storey and Whatmough provides a better defensive foundation. The midfield’s energy and tenacity, led by Potts and McCann, are crucial to maintaining ball control and creating scoring opportunities.

Preston’s strategy focuses on disrupting the opposition’s play in the middle third, aiming to regain possession and launch quick counter-attacks, particularly in the latter stages of matches.

Hull City Team Analysis

Hull City have been struggling lately, managing only one win in their last five Championship games. Their recent form reads WLDLL, which highlights their inconsistency.

Hull City’s last 5 results:

In their last five games, Hull City’s defence has been shaky, with no clean sheets. They’ve averaged 1 goal per game, showing they can find the net, but they’ve struggled to keep the opposition out, allowing several goals. Injuries have been a significant factor for Ruben Selles’ side, with several key players sidelined. As they face Preston next, maintaining their defensive solidity while improving their attack will be critical.

Hull City Key Players

Hull City, under the guidance of Ruben Selles, will be looking to their top scorer, João Pedro, who has found the net 4 times this season, to lead their attacking charge. Pedro’s flair and potency will be crucial, particularly against Preston’s defense.

In midfield, Steven Alzate and Gustavo Puerta will play vital roles in linking play and providing a creative spark. Alzate, a defensive midfielder, adds stability, while Puerta offers offensive threats from the wing.

Expected lineup for Hull City:

• Goalkeeper: Ivor Pandur
• Defenders: Lewie Coyle, Alfie Jones, Charlie Hughes, Ryan Giles
• Midfielders: Steven Alzate, Abu Kamara, Regan Slater
• Attackers: João Pedro Galvão, Gustavo Puerta, Ryan Longman

The individual battles, such as Hull’s João Pedro against Preston’s solid center-back Jack Whatmough, will be key deciding factors.

Hull City Suspensions & Injuries

Hull City, managed by Ruben Selles, is plagued by several injuries that could impact their performance against Preston. With no suspensions to report, the main concern lies in their lengthy injury list, affecting key players across various positions. Injuries:

Hull City Tactics and Formation

Hull City’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: João Pedro Galvão, who has scored four goals this season
• Midfield Trio: Steven Alzate, Abu Kamara, Regan Slater
• Defensive Structure: Anchored by centre-backs Charlie Hughes and Alfie Jones

Given their recent defensive struggles, conceding goals frequently, Hull may focus on a more cautious approach. Coach Ruben Selles might opt for a compact midfield to protect their backline.

Notable Strategy: Hull has shown resilience in attack, particularly effective when they opt for quick transitions in play. However, the numerous injuries may force Hull to adapt their strategies, potentially looking for stability over flair.

With pressing and counter-attacks being key features of their play, expect Hull to maintain a balance between defence and their attacking trio.

Preston vs Hull Head-to-Head Statistics

When examining their head-to-head record, Preston and Hull have had some tight encounters in recent years. Here’s a look at their last five meetings: