Hull v Luton predictions: Tigers troubles are set to increase

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Hull City v Luton Town in the Championship on Friday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 8pm Friday

Best bet

Luton draw no bet
1pt 8-11 general

Team news

Hull City
Dogukan Sinik has returned to training but Harvey Vale (groin) has joined Brandon Fleming (foot), Allahyar Sayyadmanesh (back) and Benjamin Tetteh (tendon) on the sidelines.

Luton
Alfie Doughty returned from injury in an Under-23s match and could feature. James Shea (knee) is unavailable and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu lacks match fitness.

Match preview

Improving Luton leapt from 18th to 11th in the Championship after beating Blackburn 2-0 prior to the international break and they will move into the top six with victory over struggling Hull on Friday.

The second-tier standings are so congested that a victory for fifth-bottom Hull would send them into the top half, but the Tigers have looked more like relegation candidates in recent weeks, losing their last four matches.

Hull got off to a strong start, taking seven points from three games, but injuries soon began to take hold and performances and results have suffered.

Expectations were lifted after ambitious owner Acun Ilicali oversaw an influx of new signings in the summer, but head coach Shota Arveladze struggled to mould his much-changed squad into a successful unit and was sacked on Friday morning.

While Arveladze ultimately found things tough in the Championship and lost his job just hours before kick-off, Luton manager Nathan Jones is focused on continuing the excellent work delivered across two spells in the Hatters' dugout.

Jones's side performed way above expectations to reach the playoffs last season and they look on course for another top-half finish after recovering from a slow start.

Luton have greater quality up front since the summer acquisitions of Cauley Woodrow and Carlton Morris from Barnsley.

Morris is full of confidence after scoring six goals in as many games and he and Woodrow could be key to overcoming Hull, who have the worst defensive record (21 goals conceded) in the division.

Key stat

Hull have lost their last four matches.

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