Venue: KC Stadium
Date: 11/05/2014
Kick-off: 15:00 (BST)
Match
Despite narrowly missing out on the Champions League, it must be said that Everton have enjoyed a fantastic campaign this season and things are certainly on the up for the Toffees under Roberto Martinez.
Heading into the final game of the campaign, Everton are pretty much assured of a 5th place finish and a spot in the Europa league while their opponents on Sunday, Hull City, also do not have much to play for in terms of the league, having already been assured safety. Therefore, the match can be classed as a dead rubber.
Hull have a FA Cup final to contest later in the month so the Tigers’ manager Steve Bruce could field an under strength side on the day and even Everton boss Roberto Martinez might also perhaps be tempted to use the fixture to hand couple of his youngsters match experience at the Premier League level.
Everton Team News
With the campaign done and dusted, Martinez may elect to hand Joel Robles a place in the starting lineup at the expense of Tim Howard in goal.
There should not be too many changes in the backline, with Player of the Year Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines, John Stones and Phil Jagielka, all retaining their place in the starting lineup.
Martinez has declared Steven Pienaar fit for the clash but the South African is unlikely to be slotted straight into the starting lineup. Gareth Barry should return though, after sitting out against Manchester City last week and the England international looks set to be partnering James McCarthy in midfield.
The likes of Gerard Deulofeu, Ross Barkley and Steven Naismith look the most likely trio to be playing behind the lone striker Romelu Lukaku.
Lacine Traore has been deemed fit by Martinez as well and the giant striker could feature, while Aiden McGeady stands a good chance of starting as well. Young duo Luke Garbutt and Ryan Ledson will also be probably expecting to play a part in the game in some capacity.
Probable Lineups
Hull City (Probable XI): Jakupović; Rosenior, Bruce, Davies, Elmohamady; Fryatt, Livermore, Huddlestone, Boyd; Long, Sagbo
Everton (Probable XI): Robles; Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Naismith, McCarthy, Barkley, Barry, Deulofeu; Lukaku
Form
Hull City: W L D L L
Everton: W L W L L
Last Meeting
19/10/2013 Everton 2 – 1 Hull City
Prediction
While both teams do not have much to play for, Hull City have one eye on the FA Cup final and a little bit of commitment could be missing in the Tigers’ game come Sunday.
Ever since Hull booked their place at Wembley last month, they have not managed to win a single game and it proves that Steve Bruce’s men are perhaps taking their foot off the gas in the Premier League so as to avoid any injuries.
Everton are also not in need of points but head into the game in slightly better form despite having lost their last two fixtures. The Toffees certainly seem to possess a better squad and should start as favourites.
The match will perhaps lack the usual intensity Premier League matches are accustomed to but Hull perhaps would want to end their fine campaign with a home victory for their fans and also take some momentum into the Final.
The game will probably have very few goals but Everton should be able to claim victory considering their better squad as well as Hull City’s probable under strength side.
Hull City 1 – 2 Everton
