Premier League: Hull v Cardiff City match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the KC Stadium

Cardiff City pulled off the surprise of the season so far, knocking off Manchester City 3-2 at the Cardiff City Stadium (GETTY IMAGES)

Hull's most recent game with Cardiff City, at the start of May, was a dramatic affair. The Welsh side had already been crowned champions, and despite conceding a late equaliser, the Tigers were promoted. Since that £100 million result and ensuing pitch invasion, both teams have adapted in different ways to Premier League life.

For Steve Bruce's side, there has been more focus on an attempted 'rebrand' as Hull City Tigers than any additions over the summer. Indeed, the likes of Tom Huddlestone, Maynor Figueroa and Allan McGregor – bought for a combined fee of approximately £7m – have shown little to suggest that Hull can make it out of the relegation zone by next May. Sone Aluke and Abdoulaye Faye, though, are likely to return from injury.

In contrast, Cardiff have spent over £30m in the past few months, mainly bolstering their defensive options, and look like a team capable to staying up. After an opening day defeat to West Ham, four points against Manchester City and Everton will surely give Malky Mackay hope of continuing their solid start with victory at the KC Stadium. Andreas Cornelius and Steven Caulker should be fit, although goalkeeper David Marshall was forced off for Scotland in midweek.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Hull 2 (Proschwitz, McShane) Cardiff City 2 (Campbell, Maynard), Championship, May 2013

Cardiff City 2 (Helguson, Hudson) Hull 1 (Koren), Championship, November 2012

Cardiff City 0 Hull 3 (McNaughton, Chester, Mclean), Championship, March 2012

STATS…

Hull (16) and Cardiff (20) have attempted the fewest shots in the Premier League so far.

Seven goals were scored between these sides last season, three of them in the final 10 minutes.

Robbie Brady has scored both of Hull's goals this season: one in the league, and one in the Capital One Cup.

ODDS…

Hull to win: 2.4

Cardiff City to win: 3.1

Draw: 3.1

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10:30pm