Hull City vs Sheffield Wednesday predictions ahead of this EFL Cup affair. The Owls will shift their focus to EFL Cup action on Wednesday night as they travel to the MKM Stadium to face Hull City. Read on for our match preview and free betting tips.
EFL Cup | First Round | Aug 14, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at KCOM Stadium
Hull City vs Sheffield Wednesday Predictions
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Can Sheffield Wednesday Continue Their Winning Streak Against Hull City?
Key Stats
Sheffield Wednesday have won their last four encounters against Hull City, scoring a total of 12 goals.
Hull City have not won any of their last nine matches across all competitions.
Sheffield Wednesday’s last four games against Championship opposition have seen them score 12 goals and concede just one.
As the EFL Cup action heats up, Hull City are set to welcome Sheffield Wednesday to the MKM Stadium on Wednesday night. This fixture presents an intriguing contest between two Championship sides with contrasting starts to their season.
Hull City, under the new management of Tim Walter, have struggled to find their rhythm, while Sheffield Wednesday, led by Danny Rohl, appear to be building on the momentum they generated at the end of last season. Both teams have much to prove, and this match could provide early indications of their respective trajectories in the 2024-25 campaign.
Tactical Overview: Hull City’s Struggles vs. Sheffield Wednesday’s Momentum
Hull City have entered this season under the shadow of managerial upheaval, with Tim Walter stepping in after the surprise departure of Liam Rosenior. The new manager’s start has been anything but smooth. Hull’s 1-1 draw against Bristol City in their Championship opener highlighted some of the ongoing issues the team faces. Despite managing to score through Oscar Estupinan, Hull’s inability to close out the game and their lacklustre pre-season form have raised concerns about their competitiveness. Walter’s tactics have yet to make a positive impact, as Hull have struggled to create clear-cut chances and maintain defensive solidity.
Walter has tried to implement a possession-based approach, but the Tigers’ performance against Bristol City suggested they are still far from mastering this style. Hull managed 46% possession and completed 343 passes with an accuracy rate of 81.5%, which indicates that they are comfortable on the ball. However, their struggles in the final third were evident, as they only managed five shots on target from 11 attempts. This lack of cutting edge is a concern, especially against a Sheffield Wednesday side that has shown they can be ruthless when given opportunities.
Sheffield Wednesday, on the other hand, have started the season in a blaze of glory. Their emphatic 4-0 victory over Plymouth in their Championship opener sent a clear message to the rest of the league. Under Danny Rohl, Wednesday have built a side that is both solid defensively and potent in attack. Their performance against Plymouth was a masterclass in clinical finishing and defensive organisation. The Owls dominated possession with 59% and created 30 shots, 10 of which were on target. This attacking prowess, combined with a well-organised defence, makes Sheffield Wednesday a formidable opponent.
Rohl’s tactical approach has been straightforward but effective. He has focused on utilising the pace and creativity of his forwards, particularly Josh Windass and Michael Smith, who both found the net against Plymouth. Wednesday’s ability to create and convert chances has been their standout feature, and with 15 corners in their last match, they have shown they can apply sustained pressure on the opposition. Defensively, they have been rock solid, conceding no goals in their last game and allowing just one shot on target. This balance between attack and defence will be crucial as they face a Hull side that is still finding its feet.
Key Areas and Player Duels That Could Decide the Match
The midfield battle is likely to be where this match is won or lost. Hull City’s midfield, featuring players like Marvin Mehlem and Xavier Simons, will need to step up and control the tempo of the game. However, they will face stiff competition from Sheffield Wednesday’s midfield trio, who have been impressive in their ball retention and distribution. If Hull cannot assert themselves in this area, they may find themselves overrun by a Wednesday side that thrives on quick transitions and direct play.
Another critical area will be the flanks. Hull’s wing-backs, particularly Lewie Coyle and Liam Millar, will have their hands full containing Wednesday’s wide players. The pace and trickery of Josh Windass, coupled with the support from overlapping full-backs like Yan Valery, could stretch Hull’s defence and create openings. If Hull’s defence fails to manage these threats effectively, it could be a long night for the Tigers.
In the attacking third, Oscar Estupinan will be Hull’s main threat. The Colombian striker, who scored in the last match, will be tasked with leading the line and troubling Wednesday’s defence. However, he will need better service from his midfield and wide players if he is to make a significant impact. On the other side, Sheffield Wednesday’s Michael Smith, who also found the net in the last game, will be looking to continue his scoring form. His physical presence and clinical finishing make him a constant threat, and Hull’s centre-backs will need to be at their best to contain him.
Expected Goals Analysis and Gameplay Prediction
Looking at the expected goals (xG) statistics, Sheffield Wednesday have shown they are capable of creating high-quality chances. In their last match, they recorded an impressive xG, reflecting their ability to create clear-cut opportunities. Their four goals against Plymouth were a testament to this, with the team converting three of their seven big chances. On the other hand, Hull’s xG against Bristol City was modest, as they struggled to create clear opportunities despite having spells of possession. Their reliance on Estupinan to convert half-chances could be problematic against a well-drilled Sheffield Wednesday defence.
The gameplay is expected to be dictated by Sheffield Wednesday, who will likely take control early on with their high press and quick passing. Hull City, under Tim Walter, may struggle to cope with the intensity and pace of Wednesday’s attack, especially if they fail to assert themselves in midfield. Hull’s best chance of success may lie in hitting Wednesday on the counter-attack, using the pace of their wide players and the strength of Estupinan to unsettle the Wednesday backline.
Suggestions for Improvement and Managerial Critique
For Hull City, the immediate focus must be on tightening their defence and finding a more coherent attacking strategy. Tim Walter’s tenure has started poorly, and his inability to inspire a turnaround in pre-season has carried over into the regular season. The team’s lack of a clear identity under Walter is worrying, and if results do not improve quickly, his position could be under threat. Walter needs to establish a clear tactical plan that suits the players at his disposal, rather than forcing a possession-based approach that the team is clearly struggling to adapt to.
Sheffield Wednesday, while currently riding a wave of momentum, must avoid complacency. Danny Rohl has done an excellent job in getting the best out of his players, but maintaining this level of performance will require continued focus and tactical awareness. One area where Wednesday could improve is their finishing. Despite their four-goal haul against Plymouth, they missed several clear-cut chances, and against stronger opposition, such wastefulness could be costly.
Tim Walter’s approach at Hull City is ripe for criticism. The decision to part ways with Liam Rosenior and bring in Walter has, so far, backfired spectacularly. The team looks disjointed, lacking both defensive solidity and attacking fluency. Walter’s insistence on a possession-based game seems misplaced given the players at his disposal. If he does not adapt quickly, Hull’s season could unravel before it has even begun. It is imperative that Walter re-evaluates his tactics and finds a system that maximises the strengths of his squad, rather than persisting with a philosophy that is clearly not working.
Predictions
Best Bet: Sheffield Wednesday to Win
Based on the analysis, Sheffield Wednesday are in a much stronger position than Hull City. Their recent form, including the 4-0 thrashing of Plymouth, suggests they have the momentum and the quality to secure a win. Hull’s disjointed performances and managerial issues make them unlikely to pose a serious threat to Wednesday’s dominance.
Correct Score Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 Hull City
Given the attacking prowess Sheffield Wednesday displayed in their last match, a 3-1 scoreline seems plausible. Hull may find the net through Oscar Estupinan, but their defensive frailties and Sheffield Wednesday’s attacking depth should see the visitors come out on top with a comfortable margin.
Goalscorer Prediction: Michael Smith to Score Anytime
Michael Smith’s form and goal-scoring instincts make him a strong candidate to find the back of the net in this match. His physicality and finishing ability, combined with the service he receives from Wednesday’s creative players, suggest he will have several opportunities to score.
First Team to Score: Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday’s tendency to start games on the front foot, as evidenced by their early goals against Plymouth, makes them likely to score first. Hull’s defence has shown vulnerabilities, and with Wednesday’s high press, an early goal for the visitors is highly probable.
Innovative Market Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday Over 1.5 Team Goals
Considering Sheffield Wednesday’s attacking form, betting on them to score over 1.5 goals seems a solid choice. They have shown they can create numerous chances, and against a Hull defence that has struggled, they are likely to score at least twice.Given the attacking intent of both sides and their respective defensive vulnerabilities, an early goal seems likely. Both teams will look to start strongly, and an opening goal before the 30th minute is a strong possibility, especially with the added pressure on Plymouth to perform at home.
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