Match Preview | Hull City vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City travel to Hull City’s MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon (04/02), 3pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Hull City’s manager is Liam Rosenior, who was appointed in November 2022, following the departure of Shota Arveladze.
Rosenior was a popular figure with the Tigers during his playing days, making 161 appearances in black and amber between 2010 and 2015.
During his spell at the club, he gained promotion from the Championship in 2012/13 and was also part of the side that competed in the FA Cup final in 2014.
Since retiring from playing, Rosenior has been assistant coach at Brighton and Hove Albion’s U23s, first-team coach under at Derby County, as well as being assistant manager of the Rams under Wayne Rooney.
The former defender also had a spell as interim boss at Derby, winning seven of his 12 games in charge. Now in charge of the Tigers, his side are currently 15th in the table, after defeating Queens Park Rangers 3-0 in their previous fixture.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
The Tigers’ main danger is striker Óscar Estupiñán, who has made in impressive impact since signing in the summer from Portuguese outfit Vitória de Guimarães.
The Colombian international has netted 12 goals in the Championship so far this campaign, a record which is only trumped by the division’s top scorer, Chuba Akpom, who has 14.
Estupiñán averages a goal every 165 minutes, with a shot accuracy of 46% and has also contributed an assist for the Tigers.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | JANUARY SIGNINGS
Boss Rosenior has bolstered his squad in the January transfer window by utilising the loan market.
Crystal Palace’s Malcolm Ebiowei has been brought in until the end of the campaign. The winger had a breakout year for Derby County last season, where he sparked the interest of the Premier League club.
Also making the move to the Tigers in January was striker Aaron Connolly, signing on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion. The Republic of Ireland international has made a positive start to life at Hull City, netting twice in their 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers.
On transfer deadline day, the Tigers brought in goalkeeper Karl Darlow on loan until the end of the season from Newcastle United.
The shot-stopper has made 86 league appearances for the Magpies and adds a wealth of experience to Rosenior’s side.
CLUB CONNECTION | HAWORTH AND ECKHARDT EARN CITY WIN
The Bluebirds welcomed Hull City to Ninian Park in January 1997 looking to bounce back from a four-game losing streak and did so in impressive fashion.
Simon Haworth gave City the lead after 34 minutes, which was one of his eight league goals for his hometown club.
Defender Jeff Eckhardt doubled the Bluebirds’ advantage in the second-half to secure the victory, which proved to be a crucial three points.
The win sparked a positive run which saw City lose just one of their next seven games. At the end of the campaign, the Bluebirds finished seventh in the table and competed in the Division Three play-offs.
