Hull vs Preston prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-02-17 15:00.
A 3-1 loss to Norwich in midweek left Hull City six points behind the play-off spots despite coach Liam Roseniorâs rallying cry for his side to be âpushing for the top sixâ. That defeat marked the sixth occasion in this Championship campaign that the Tigers leaked three or more goals in a game, and with only Wigan conceding more than Hullâs 47 league goals coming into this round, there is a clear area of improvement.
It's not all doom on the defensive front for Hull though, who managed a clean sheet in the goalless reverse fixture against Preston North End and also in their last two home league games (W2). The Tigers could now win three consecutive Championship home games âto-nilâ for the first time since February 2019, but considering six of Hullâs last seven home league goals came beyond the hour mark, there could be an anxious wait for the home fans.
Ten-man Preston snatched a 1-1 draw against Luton on Wednesday to secure their first point in three Championship matches, with boss Ryan Lowe lauding the âspiritâ of the group. A late play-off push isnât inconceivable as they start level on points with Hull, but they almost certainly need attacking improvements given North End have failed to score in 42% of their Championship games, while only Cardiff have scored fewer goals ahead of this round.
Playing away from home seems to spring them into life in front of goal as Preston have scored in eight of their last ten away league games, aggregating 16 goals. Results have followed too, as four wins out of their last six away games (L2) indicates they could press hard to win consecutive away league H2Hs for the first time after a 1-0 victory in this fixture last season.
Key battle: The clean sheet in the reverse fixture was Matt Ingramâs first in seven competitive matches against Preston. The home âkeeper could be tested by Prestonâs Alan Browne who has three career Championship goals against Hull, with all three matches finishing 2-1 (W2, L1).
Hot streak: Hull scored the last goal of the match in their last five Championship home matches, three times beyond the 75th minute.