Head-to-Head Summary
Newcastle and Hull have produced a remarkably balanced recent H2H record. Across their last 10 competitive meetings:
Newcastle wins: 3
Hull City wins: 3
Draws: 4
Newcastle goals: 16
Hull City goals: 11
The most recent meeting came in the League Cup in November 2016. The match finished 1-1 before Hull progressed on penalties. Newcastle lead the overall historical H2H with 12 wins to Hull's seven, alongside seven draws.
However, these numbers require context. Saturday will be the clubs' first competitive meeting for almost 10 years. Managers, squads and tactical identities have all changed completely. Current performance should therefore carry much more weight.
Last 10 Meetings
November 29, 2016 — League Cup: Hull City 1-1 Newcastle United — Hull won on penalties
January 31, 2015 — Premier League: Hull City 0-3 Newcastle United
September 20, 2014 — Premier League: Newcastle United 2-2 Hull City
March 1, 2014 — Premier League: Hull City 1-4 Newcastle United
September 21, 2013 — Premier League: Newcastle United 2-3 Hull City
March 14, 2009 — Premier League: Hull City 1-1 Newcastle United
January 14, 2009 — FA Cup: Newcastle United 0-1 Hull City
January 3, 2009 — FA Cup: Hull City 0-0 Newcastle United
September 13, 2008 — Premier League: Newcastle United 1-2 Hull City
October 15, 1997 — League Cup: Newcastle United 2-0 Hull City
There is one interesting historical pattern. Hull won three of their last four competitive visits to St James' Park before this season, although those matches were played so long ago that they offer little predictive value for Saturday. Newcastle's 3-0 win at Hull in January 2015 remains their most recent victory in this fixture.
Newcastle United Current Form
Newcastle's last five competitive matches have produced three wins, one draw and one defeat.
September 14 — Leeds United 4-1 Newcastle United
September 8 — Millwall 0-1 Newcastle United
September 5 — Newcastle United 2-2 Bournemouth
August 29 — Tottenham 0-2 Newcastle United
August 26 — Newcastle United 3-2 West Brom
The Leeds defeat changed the mood around what had been a promising start. Before Monday night, Newcastle were unbeaten across their opening three Premier League matches. They had drawn with Liverpool and Bournemouth while producing an impressive 2-0 away victory over Tottenham.
Jaissle's team had also progressed twice in the Carabao Cup. The issue against Leeds was defensive control. Conceding four represented a significant change from the disciplined performances that produced clean sheets at Tottenham and Millwall.
Newcastle now need to show that result was an exception rather than the beginning of a wider problem. Their attacking quality remains clear.
Anthony Elanga started the season strongly, while Yoane Wissa has given Newcastle pace, movement and a genuine central scoring threat. Nico González has also added technical quality to a midfield that changed considerably during the summer.
Hull City Current Form
Hull's league start has been one of the early surprises of the Premier League season.
Their last five competitive matches are:
September 12 — Chelsea 2-2 Hull City
September 8 — Sunderland 1-0 Hull City
September 5 — Hull City 0-0 Aston Villa
August 29 — Coventry City 0-1 Hull City
August 25 — Stoke City 1-1 Hull City — Hull won on penalties
The Sunderland defeat came in the Carabao Cup. In the Premier League, Hull remain unbeaten. They opened the season by beating Manchester United 2-0, followed by a 1-0 victory at Coventry and then drew with Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Their record stands at two wins and two draws, with five goals scored and only two conceded. That defensive record deserves attention. Hull have already faced Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea without losing.
Their draw at Stamford Bridge was further evidence that Jakirović's team can remain competitive even when facing squads with significantly greater individual quality. This does not look like a promoted team relying purely on early-season enthusiasm. Hull are organised.
Newcastle United Team News and Injuries
Newcastle have not yet held their final pre-Hull press conference, so several availability questions still require confirmation. Matias Fernandez-Pardo was approaching his first Premier League start before the Leeds match.
Jaissle said the winger had completed his first full training week and was getting closer to being ready for a larger role. Lewis Hall is available and has been praised by Jaissle after returning to a significant role.
Tino Livramento has also returned from injury. He was named among the substitutes against Bournemouth after missing the beginning of the season. Earlier in September, Newcastle were without Dan Burn, Joelinton and William Osula.
Their precise status for Hull should be confirmed closer to kickoff rather than assuming those earlier absences remain unchanged. That is important after Monday's heavy defeat. Jaissle may be tempted to make changes even where fitness does not force his hand.
Hull City Team News and Injuries
Hull have not reported a significant fresh injury from their 2-2 draw with Chelsea at the time of writing. Eliot Matazo remains the major long-term absentee. The midfielder suffered a second ACL injury in April, this time to his right knee, and remains in rehabilitation.
Jakirović otherwise has a group that has developed continuity during the opening weeks. Konstantinos Tzolakis has established himself in goal, while Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy have played important roles in a defence that conceded only twice across its first four league matches.
Joe Gelhardt's return to Hull during the summer also gives Jakirović another attacking option. The final availability picture should become clearer when Hull publish their Newcastle-specific team news.
Tactical Match Analysis
Newcastle should have more possession. Hull probably will not consider that a problem. Jakirović's team have already shown that they can defend for long periods without losing their structure.
Against stronger opponents, Hull have generally prioritised protecting central areas before attacking quickly once possession changes. That could frustrate Newcastle.
Jaissle has recently used a back four behind a midfield containing González and Lewis Miley, with Joe Willock operating further forward. Elanga and Harvey Barnes provide width around Wissa. Newcastle's pace is dangerous when opp