A continual problem for Stoke is their apparent lack of goals which cost them twice in a week as they fell 1-0 to Burnley on Tuesday night and then surrendered a 1-0 lead to Liverpool, going on to lose 2-1 despite some good chances.
Hughes however remains keen to stick with struggling striker Saido Berahino who has yet to make an impact since his arrival in the Potteries, failing to find the back of the net in nine appearances.
In an interview this week Hughes said “these games between now and the end of the season will be invaluable in terms of him [Berahino] understanding what we are about and what he needs to do.”
Hull on the other hand continue to look rejuvenated under Marco Silva, currently sitting two points above the drop zone, making their Premier League survival look ever more likely.
Despite their recent form however, the Tigers have still failed to win another away league game since their 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Swansea in August.
Marco Silva has recognised the importance of this game saying “In our last six away games we have played five teams in the top seven, plus Leicester who were the last Champions. Now we have away games coming up against other teams and we have the chance to change the away situation.”
The two sides have met twice this season already, firstly in the EFL Cup which saw Hull City progress to the fourth round, picking up a 2-1 victory at the Bet365 Stadium. The latest game was a league game in October which saw Stoke City secure a 2-0 victory thanks to a Xherdan Shaqiri brace.
