Hull take on Preston Grasshoppers at Chants Ave this weekend and will be hoping to do better than the draw they claimed in the corresponding fixture earlier this season.
Preston Grasshoppers have beaten Hull Ionians twice as well as recording victories against Billingham, Huddersfield and Tynedale. Preston may have only recorded five victories in total but they have had close games against most sides apart from the top two, Rotherham and Leeds.
Preston like to run the ball at every opportunity and their comeback against Hull, scoring 12 points in the 12 minutes of added time merely emphasised their ability to fashion scores from deep in their own half.
Hull will be without two players injured last week. Back row forward David Halaifonua is unlikely to play again this season and full back Duell Trueman who could return to the squad next week.
Returning to the squad are Will Hall who can slot back into the back row. Jamie Shaul also returns while Charlie Beech will bolster the front row.
Hull have done well in the first phase exchanges in recent games but they have picked up a number of yellow cards in the last three games which puts them at a disadvantage.
Keeping 15 players on the field could be a key to winning this game against a side who will test Hull. Both sides need the points to bolster their league position and Hull can go one better than the drawn result in the autumn, but retaining possession and maintaining discipline could hold the key.
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