A New Era
Stoke City v Hull City will be intriguing for a few reasons, but the main one is that it will mark Narcis Pelach’s first league game as Stoke City’s new manager. The Potters parted company with Steve Schumacher earlier this week after some mixed results. The decision to let Schumacher have caused a mixed reaction, as some fans felt that he hadn’t been given enough time. His replacement Pelach is a young coach himself, and his biggest job in management had been as the interim manager for Huddersfield Town. It’s a big gamble by Stoke City’s owners as they strive to put a promotion charge together.
Pressure On The Tigers
Hull City, on the other hand, haven’t had a good start to the new campaign. The Tigers haven’t won a game so far this season, with three draws and two losses. Last week they were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Sheffield United at the MKM Stadium, so the pressure is starting to build on Tim Walter.
Plucky Stoke
When it comes to their recent head-to-heads, the away team took all three points. However, I think that will change this time. Though Stoke have been a little inconsistent so far this season, they’ve managed to pick up points and bag themselves a couple of wins, which included a win against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup earlier this week. I just think that bit of positive momentum will go a long way in this match.
The Potters haven’t scored a lot of goals this season, so I think it will be a low-scoring affair. Maybe a 1-0 or 2-0 win. Therefore, I am going for Stoke to win by under 2.5 goals, which is 7/2 with Rhino.
Manhoef Maestro
My last betting angle into this game is looking at the first goalscorer markets, and my eye is drawn to Million Manhoef. The 22-year-old hasn’t been with Stoke long, as he joined them from Dutch side Vitesse in the January transfer window earlier this year. However, he has made an impact, especially this season, scoring in a 1-0 win at Plymouth and scoring two goals in the Carabao Cup. I just think he’s a player who will cause Hull problems. Therefore, I’m happy to take a chance on him scoring first at 6/1.
Stoke City v Hull City Selections
Stoke City To Win By Under 2.5 Goals (7/2)
Million Manhoef To Score First (6/1)