The international break has ended, and we’re ready to get back to Premier League action. Recently promoted, Hull City are off to a surprise start in the Prem, pulling eight points from their first five contests. They’ll look to keep building momentum by defending their home field against an Everton side that is undefeated across seven competitive matches to start the season.
Everton are +105 moneyline favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a draw at +235. Hull City’s moneyline is set at +265.
Hull City vs. Everton Prediction, Pick
This will be just the 25th all-time meeting between these two clubs across all competitions. Everton holds the edge all-time with 11 wins, six draws, and seven losses. Things have become especially one-sided lately; over the past 20 years, the Toffees hold a 7-3-2 record. The only meeting between the two clubs since Hull’s 2017 demotion was Everton’s 3-2 FA Cup win in 2022, so the matchup on the pitch is a clean slate.
Defense has been Everton’s story so far. Across five EPL matches and two EFL Cup matches, the Toffees have amassed five clean sheets, allowing only three total goals this season. Jordan Pickford is once again a top-level backstop, and their veteran back line, led by James Tarkowski, has been stout early on. Their lack of depth after a light transfer window might haunt them, but Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a shot in the arm on the right side.
Up the middle, Everton are rock solid with an anchoring duo of James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and have been working Harrison Armstrong regularly, with Hayden Hackney carving out a role as well. Thierno Barry’s torrid scoring pace has given life to their attack, and Jack Grealish is settling back in on the wing. It’s a group light on depth all around, but the starting eleven has been excellent, and that’s been enough so far.
So far, Hull owes its success to a few shocking results. They took down Man United 2-0 to open their season, then drew Aston Villa and Chelsea, pulling five points against top clubs in their first four matches. A crucial 1-0 win against fellow promotee Coventry has also boosted them in the early going, securing a crucial three points against a team they’re likely to see later on in a relegation battle, often the destiny of newly promoted sides.
The Tigers have also built their house on defense, allowing only four goals in five Premier League games. Manager Sergej Jakirović likes to sit deep in a five-man back line, relying heavily on veteran center backs John Egan and Semi Ajayi to keep things steady. Young Algerian winger Mohamed Belloumi has been the danger man on the right side and has been involved in four of their six total goals. If Oli McBurnie can bury chances up top and Konstantinos Tzolakis can stand tall in goal, they have to feel good about their chances of staying up.
It’ll be interesting to watch Everton play on the front foot for most of the game. The Toffees are 17th in possession time, holding the ball only 43.6% of the time. But Hull City are dead last at 32.3%, and are sure to concede possession to Everton. Normally accustomed to playing wide off the counter, will Everton be able to generate enough of an attack when the defense is ready for them? On the other hand, can they stay ready for the Tigers to counter?
A key matchup to watch here is Everton winger Jack Grealish against Hull right back and captain Lewie Coyle. Everton’s best passer and standstill dribbler, Grealish is dangerous off the left side when he can work into space behind the defense. Coyle will have his hands full reckoning with Grealish’s dribbling skills, and if he can’t keep up, it will be a long afternoon for the Tigers defense.
It’s hard to see many goals in this one. Everton don’t have the kind of pop to score more than a pair of goals on their better days, and Hull’s attack doesn’t inspire me against such a strong veteran defense. I’m counting on both back lines to perform well here.
