‘Campbell will get a good reception’ - Hull City Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
Ahead of tonight’s match at the KCOM Stadium, we spoke to Jonty Colman of Hull Live about Huddersfield’s opponents.
An evening trip to Hull City awaits Huddersfield Town, with the club looking for their first win of the calendar year. Having won 3-0 at home in the previous fixture, will this be another victory for The Terriers, or will The Tigers bite back and claim all three points?
Much has been made about Hull City’s injuries going into the game, with the East Yorkshire club having lost 2-1 to Chelsea in the FA Cup last weekend. By contrast, Danny Cowley might be feeling confident, with almost a full squad to choose from, with Jonathan Hogg available again after completing his two-match ban for picking up 10 yellow cards this season.
And He Takes That Chance spoke to Jonty Colman, Digital Football Writer at Hull Live to find out how our opponents have been performing.
Frazier Campbell in action for Hull City last season. Photo source: HTAFC
It’s Frazier Campbell’s first return back to the KCOM Stadium, how is he remembered for his time at the Tigers?
Very fondly. Fans were gutted to see him go, not just for his goals, but for his work-rate, character and all-round play. City fans were sad to see him go in the summer and I am sure he will get a good reception.
How would you rate Hull’s season so far?
Up and down, but in general pleasing. The fact that they are still in the hunt for the top six at this stage of the season is a good achievement. However, at times, they have let themselves down in games where they should have done better, and had they taken more of the chances they had to move into the top six, they would already be in there. Grant McCann and this team have high targets, so they will want more than 12th and won’t rest until they get top six sealed.
At time of writing, Hull are just seven points off the playoffs. Is a playoff spot realistic?
Of course it is because in the Championship, stranger things can and have happened. Back-to-back home wins over Huddersfield and Brentford in four days for the Tigers could shake up this race a lot. With 18 games to go, so much can happen in this league, especially when every team is as inconsistent as each other.
Was the 3-0 defeat to Town in the previous encounter an off day?
Yes. In the first hour, it was a very even game, but in the final half an hour, once Juninho Bacuna came on, he changed the game almost single handily. Looking back at the season as a whole, that result was one of the worst so far.
Hull City manager Grant McCann shouting from the touchline. Photo source: Hull City
What's the fan's opinion on the manager Grant McCann?
He is ambitious and the fans like that a lot. He set big targets of a play-off spot at the start of the season and has so far come closer to the top six than many expected him to. The next few months will prove a lot about this City team, but McCann has won a number of fans over. He never settles for second best and off the pitch, he has also done a lot to help repair the strained relationship between the club and its supporters.
Which players have performed well but gone under the radar to other clubs?
Jordy de Wijs at the back is an obvious contender, one of the best centre-backs I have watched this season. His current injury makes him a big miss tomorrow. Leonardo Da Silva Lopes in midfield has also impressed in recent months and plays with confidence and maturity way beyond his years.
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
Kamil Grosicki could return to the starting line-up after a brief injury. On his day, he can be one of the most dangerous wingers in the Championship with his creativity and scoring threat. Having lost their last three in a row in all competitions, the Tigers are due a win.
Jarrod Bowen has scored 16 goals in 28 Championship appearances this season. Photo source: Hull City
Is Jarrod Bowen as good as everyone says he is?
A winger at any level with 17 goals in all competitions before the end of January has to be respected, but Bowen has done it consistently throughout his two and a half seasons of regular minutes. He has been linked with an exit throughout the past 12 months, but as things stand, he is a City player and the fans and McCann’s team are making the most of that for the time being.
What do you think of Huddersfield so far this season?
I must admit, I thought they would be much higher in the league right now. Aaron Mooy and Phillip Billing look to be big losses, which is not surprising given how well they have settled back in the Premier League. Karlan Grant is a big player and has looked good this season. Without his goals, I wouldn’t like to see where the Terriers would be right now.
What’s the fan consensus about this game? Is it seen as an easy fixture?
Following a dip in form, it feels like a must-win game for City. Given the shock 3-0 defeat early this season, the Tigers will want to make amends against an opposition that they are more than capable of beating.
Some Huddersfield Town fans have expressed their frustration at Hull City charging £33 for an adult ticket for the game. Photo source: Hull City
At £33 for an away ticket at Hull, some Huddersfield Town fans have criticised the price. What’s the club’s decision behind the price, and do you think it’s fair?
It’s the same for every game this season barring the weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Chelsea. I don’t think that £33 for any game in the Championship is fair, but that is the modern way I’m afraid.
I’ve said it for a few years, there needs to be a ticket price cap in the division, especially for away fans in the Championship. The £30 Premier League cap definitely works, and there should be a £20 or £25 limit introduced in England’s second tier.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
A 2-1 win for Hull City, Jarrod Bowen to add to his goal tally.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on tonight? Let us know in the comments!
