Friday night's comeback success for Hull City at Stoke City earned a first win of the season for Tim Walter to lift some of the recent gloom which had fallen over the MKM Stadium.
Walter's second half changes sparked his side into life with Liam Millar, Regan Slater and Xavier Simons all making a significant difference, with Millar setting up Slater for the second goal either side of Kasey Palmer's penalty and an own goal from Ben Wilmot, created by Palmer.
Slater made his feelings clear about starting against the Bluebirds, saying he was 'fuming' to have been left out against the Potters, and that he expects to start this weekend ahead of Marvin Mehlem, who hasn't yet settled into Championship life, while Millar, who came on for the injured Abdus Omur, must surely be in contention to replace the Turkish international.
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Another of the three changes at Stoke saw Cody Drameh replace Ryan Giles on the left side of the defence, and though it's not his natural position, he provided significant cover and helped solidify a much-improved defensive display.
City will need to run the rule over Omur, and also Oscar Zambrano, who limped out of the action just before the hour with Simons coming on for him, though the Ecuador youngster had looked bright until he fell awkwardly and had to come off. Should Zambrano not make it then Simons, or Steven Alzate must surely come into contention, while Palmer faces a race against time to be fit and new signing Joao Pedro unlikely to be involved.
In a game Walter and his City side simply have to win against a team with five defeats in six and just one goal to their name, going with Millar and Belloumi down either flank makes absolute sense, as does keeping Kasey Palmer in the attacking role he had on Friday evening, assuming he's fit, otherwise Omur could slot into that position.
City's predicted starting XI: Pandur, Drameh, McLoughlin, Jones, Coyle, Zambrano, Slater, Palmer, Millar, Belloumi, Bedia.
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