Plymouth Argyle vs Hull City Predictions

Plymouth Argyle vs Hull City predictions for this Championship fixture. Plymouth Argyle and Hull City face off at Home Park on Saturday afternoon, both aiming to secure their first Championship win of the season. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Championship | Aug 17, 2024 at 3pm UK at Home Park

Plymouth Argyle vs Hull City Predictions

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As Plymouth Argyle prepare to host Hull City at Home Park this Saturday, both teams find themselves in search of their first Championship victory of the season. After a heavy defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth are under pressure to bounce back, especially with the added attention that comes with having Wayne Rooney at the helm. Hull City, meanwhile, arrive with their own set of challenges, having endured a disappointing draw in their league opener and an early exit from the EFL Cup. This clash is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for both sides as they seek to build momentum in the early stages of the season.

Plymouth’s Rocky Start Under Rooney

Plymouth’s start to the Championship season under Wayne Rooney has been far from ideal. The 4-0 thrashing by Sheffield Wednesday last weekend was a harsh reality check for the Pilgrims, who struggled to cope with the intensity and quality of their opponents. Rooney, who took charge amidst much fanfare, now faces the daunting task of steadying the ship. The EFL Cup victory against Cheltenham Town provided a much-needed morale boost, but it is clear that Plymouth still have a lot of work to do if they are to establish themselves as a competitive force in the Championship.

In their opening league fixture, Plymouth were completely outclassed, managing just five shots throughout the game, with only one of those on target. The lack of creativity and cutting edge in the final third was evident, as the team failed to pose any significant threat to the Sheffield Wednesday defence. Rooney’s decision to field a relatively unchanged side in the cup match suggests that he is still trying to find his best XI, but the lack of cohesion and understanding among the players is a concern that needs addressing quickly.

Defensively, Plymouth were equally frail, conceding four goals and showing little resistance against a rampant Wednesday attack. The backline, marshaled by new signing Julio Pleguezuelo, was unable to handle the pace and movement of the opposition, leaving goalkeeper Conor Hazard exposed on numerous occasions. Rooney will need to work on tightening up the defence if Plymouth are to avoid similar embarrassments in the future.

Hull City’s Struggles Continue

Hull City’s start to the season has been equally underwhelming. A 1-1 draw against Bristol City in their Championship opener was followed by a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup. New manager Tim Walter has yet to find the right balance in his team, and the departure of several key players over the summer has left the squad looking thin and lacking in quality, particularly in the attacking department.

In their league opener, Hull managed 11 shots, with five on target, but they lacked the clinical edge needed to secure all three points. Oscar Estupiñán’s late penalty rescued a draw, but it was a performance that highlighted the team’s struggles in front of goal. The absence of creativity in midfield and the lack of a reliable goal-scorer are issues that Walter must address urgently if Hull are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

Defensively, Hull have shown some resilience, with the backline led by Alfie Jones and Sean McLoughlin. However, the early concession of goals, as seen in their cup defeat, remains a concern. Walter’s decision to rotate the squad heavily for the cup match backfired, with several fringe players failing to impress. As a result, the manager is likely to revert to a more familiar lineup against Plymouth, but the question remains whether this will be enough to secure a much-needed win.

Key Areas and Player Duels That Could Decide the Match

The battle in midfield will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match. Plymouth’s midfield trio, likely featuring Adam Randell, Darko Gyabi, and a possible return for Adam Forshaw, will need to assert control early on. They will be up against a Hull City midfield that, while not particularly creative, is known for its physicality and work rate, with Xavier Simons and Regan Slater likely to feature prominently. The team that wins the midfield battle will be better positioned to dictate the tempo and create opportunities.

On the flanks, the duel between Plymouth’s Bali Mumba and Hull’s Ryan Giles could prove decisive. Mumba’s pace and ability to beat his man make him a key outlet for Plymouth’s attacks, while Giles is known for his defensive solidity and will need to be at his best to keep Mumba quiet. If Mumba can get the better of Giles and deliver quality crosses into the box, it could spell trouble for Hull’s defence.

In defence, Plymouth’s Julio Pleguezuelo and Hull’s Alfie Jones will both have crucial roles to play. Pleguezuelo, who had a tough outing against Sheffield Wednesday, will need to be more composed and organized to deal with Hull’s attacking threat, particularly from set-pieces where the visitors are known to be dangerous. Jones, on the other hand, will need to marshal his backline effectively to keep Plymouth’s forwards at bay.

Gameplay Expectations Based on Tactical Setups

Given the early season struggles of both teams, this match is likely to be a cautious affair, with neither side wanting to take unnecessary risks. Plymouth, under Rooney, are expected to try and impose themselves on the game, using their home advantage to press Hull and create chances. However, their lack of fluidity and cohesion in attack means they may struggle to break down a well-organized Hull defence.

Hull, under Walter, are likely to adopt a more counter-attacking approach, sitting deep and looking to exploit any spaces left by Plymouth on the break. With Estupiñán leading the line, Hull will hope to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Plymouth, particularly from set-pieces where they have shown vulnerability. The game could be decided by a moment of individual brilliance or a defensive mistake, with neither side showing enough quality to dominate proceedings.

Criticisms and Areas for Improvement

Plymouth’s performance against Sheffield Wednesday exposed several areas that need immediate attention. The lack of a cutting edge in attack was glaring, with the team failing to create any meaningful chances. Rooney must find a way to get more out of his attacking players, perhaps by altering the formation or personnel. Defensively, the team was too easily pulled apart, with the backline lacking both pace and organization. Rooney needs to instill greater discipline and ensure that his players remain focused and committed throughout the 90 minutes.

Hull, meanwhile, are struggling to adapt to life under Walter. The lack of creativity in midfield is a major concern, with the team relying too heavily on individual moments of brilliance to create chances. Walter needs to find a way to get his midfielders more involved in the attacking play, perhaps by bringing in reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Defensively, the team has shown some resilience, but lapses in concentration, as seen in the EFL Cup defeat, must be eradicated if Hull are to turn their fortunes around.

Betting Angles and Predictions

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score – NO

Given the struggles of both teams in front of goal and their emphasis on defensive solidity, this match is unlikely to see both teams finding the back of the net. Plymouth’s lack of creativity and Hull’s defensive resilience suggest that one goal could be enough to decide the game. Therefore, the best bet for this match is that both teams will not score.

Correct Score Prediction: Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Hull City

In line with the expectation of a low-scoring game, a 1-0 victory for Hull City seems a likely outcome. Despite playing away from home, Hull have shown enough resilience to suggest they can nick a goal and hold on for the win. Plymouth, on the other hand, may struggle to break down a well-organized Hull defence, particularly given their lack of attacking fluency.

Goalscorer Prediction: Oscar Estupiñán to Score Anytime

Oscar Estupiñán has been Hull’s most reliable source of goals, and he could be the key difference-maker in this tight encounter. Having already found the net in Hull’s opening game, Estupiñán’s physical presence and ability to capitalise on set-piece opportunities make him a strong candidate to score in this match. Plymouth’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in dealing with crosses and high balls, could play into Estupiñán’s strengths, making him the likeliest to break the deadlock.

Which Team Will Score First: Hull City

Considering Hull’s approach to this match and their ability to exploit defensive weaknesses, they are the more likely team to open the scoring. Plymouth’s defensive issues, especially when dealing with pressure early in matches, give Hull the edge. The Tigers have shown they can find the net, and with Estupiñán leading the line, they might just strike first, forcing Plymouth to chase the game.

Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Under 10.5

This match is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams likely to be cautious and prioritise defensive solidity. Consequently, there may be fewer opportunities for corners, particularly given the lack of sustained pressure from either side. Plymouth's low possession stats and Hull's counter-attacking approach suggest that the game might not see a high number of corners. Betting on under 10.5 total corners in this match could be a smart move, considering the expected style of play from both teams.

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