Hull City vs Leicester City – Prediction
The 25th anniversary of the Premier League will kick off with newly promoted Hull City hosting last season’s Champions, Leicester City. The Foxes are definitely the favorites heading into the game. Leicester who had lost just three games last season should pick win against Hull City. As for the Tigers the expectations are low from everyone and this in return could help them spring a surprise. They definitely need reinforcements in their ranks but against Leicester it’s all about fighting for their pride.
Verdict: Hull City vs Leicester – (3-0) win for the Foxes
Fixture Overview
Premier League – Gameweek 1
Hull City vs Leicester City
KCOM Stadium
12.30 PM C.E.T, 13-08-2016
[sc name=”Sportbooks” ]
Betting Tips
1. Leicester City Win – 2.10 (Betfair)
We are pleasantly surprised at the odds on offer for a Leicester win. Given the problems Hull City are having and the fact that Leicester are the defending champions we were expecting odds of around 1.6 – 1.7. This is a bet that you should be making Saturday.
Draw – 3.60 (Bet 365)
Hull Win – 4.50 (Bet 365)
2. Over 2.5 Goals – 2.29 (Marathon Bet)
Hull City were an outstanding defensive unit in the 2015/16 Championship. Coming into the game against Leicester they’ll be missing the services of Captain Micheal Dawson who was instrumental last term. We do think Leicester will score but are also not counting out Abel Hernandez to score one for the Tigers. We expect goals in this game and hence Over 2.5 is the way to go.
3. Match Special – Goal in each half – 1.91 (Skybet)
Hull City
Summer time has been a torrid time for Hull City. Coming into their opening day fixture against Leicester, the Tigers are devoid of Manager and have only 13 fit senior players in their ranks.
Steve Bruce left his post over three weeks ago but the club are yet to hire a replacement. Assistant manager Mike Phelan has been appointed the interim manager. Phelan, the former Norwich manager is the current favorite to get the job on a permanent basis.
Hull City have failed to make any new signings this summer. Hull have also lost out on the services of Mohammed Diame who rejected a new contract and returned to the Championship with Newcastle.
Moses Odubajo who was one of their brightest players last season is one of the many senior players who are out with long time injuries.The other injury absentees in the Tigers’ ranks include Alex Bruce, Harry Maguire, Allan McGregor and club captain Micheal Dawson.
Hull City with the defensive pairing of Dawson and Curtis Davies conceded just 12 goals in their 23 home games in the Championship last season. The Tigers have failed to score in over 5 hours of football in the Premier League.
The last time a newly promoted side won on the opening day was in 2012 when West Ham got the better of Aston Villa 1-0.
Leicester City
The defending champions couldn’t have picked a better fixture to kick of their title defense. The Foxes after their disappointing 2-1 loss in the FA Community Shield to Manchester United needs to get off to a win considering the busy schedule that awaits them.
Ranieri who had lost the services of Kante to Chelsea on first look has recruited well. Ahmed Musa and Nampalys Mendy look like exciting prospects but all eyes will be on the duo of Vardy and Mahrez. The Foxes had an average possession of just 42 in their title winning campaign last term.
Leicester City have won three and drawn two of their last five meetings against Hull City
In it’s 24 yr history, the Premier League is yet to see the defending champions lose on the opening day. If Leicester are to win the game against Hull City it will be Ranieri’s 100th win as manager in the Premier League.
Apart from Robert Huth whose serves the third of his three game ban from last season, Ranieri has a fully fit squad to choose from. Matty James who had joined Leicester along with Danny Drinkwater in 2012 will be looking to restart his career after his long injury lay-off.
[sc name=”Sportbooks” ]
Past Meeting – Hull City vs Leicester
The last time these two teams met was in the 4th round of the 2015/16 Football League Cup. After the scores remained scoreless in normal time. Leicester got the lead via Mahrez in the 99th minute. Hull City replied almost instantly with Abel Hernandez grabbing the equalizer in the 105th minute. Hull City won the resulting penalty shootout 5-4 with Mahrez the only one to miss his penalty.