Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
A draw is considered just as probable as a Hull City win. The visitors secured their first league victory in 14 matches, but this isn't enough to favour them outright.
Preston North End
One shouldn't rule out another draw for Preston North End, as their last four home matches have ended with them sharing the points. They haven't won at Deepdale in six games. So why back Preston North End? Perhaps it's their performances on the road? Unfortunately not. In the first leg of the season, they've only secured one victory against Cardiff City (2:0), who are languishing at the bottom. Among their setbacks are a loss to Portsmouth (1:3) and a draw with Plymouth Argyle (3:3)—their direct competitors.
Hull City
To end their dismal streak, Hull City resorted to a drastic measure—changing their head coach. Tim Walter's record was even worse than Leonid Slutsky's (0.9 points per game) at 0.83. Both were dismissed around the same time—between autumn and winter. Rubén Sellés wasn't appointed immediately, as negotiations with Reading took time. Success came to the Spaniard only in his fourth match, where they defeated Swansea City (2:1) at home, a team that previously rarely conceded a single goal. Interestingly, Hull City only required 1.40 xG to score their two goals.
Preston North End vs Hull City Prediction
Preston North End's recent poor performances, exemplified by their last match against Queens Park Rangers (1:2), albeit away from home with a mere 0.23 xG, combined with the loss of key centre-back Liam Lindsay due to a red card, do not bode well for them. Our prediction is that Hull City will at least come away with a draw.
