Barnsley will make the short trip east-northeast to face Hull City at KCOM Stadium on Wednesday.
I believe the odds market underestimate the prospect of an away win.
Hull City
Just a few weeks ago the Tigers were within reach of a play-off spot, but since January Grant McCann's team has fallen of a cliff. At present, Hull occupy 17th spot, a mere 7 points above the relegation zone.
Squad status
In the January transfer window, Hull lost two of their most prolific players this season:
- Jarrod Bowen, 23-year old attacking midfielder who has scored the most goals (16) for Hull this season, created the most assists (7) for Hull this season and has earned the highest average ratings in Hull this season (at WhoScored). Joined West Ham.
- Kamil Grosicki, 31-year old attacking midfielder who has scored the second-most goals (6) for Hull this season and created the second-most assists (5) for Hull this season. Joined West Bromwich Albion.
Furthermore, Hull still suffer from quite a few injuries. If available, the following players would have been included in the line-up on Wednesday:
- Eric Lichaj, 31-year old defender.
- Mallik Wilks, 21-year old attacking midfielder joining on load from Barnsley in January. Has been playing every game since joining and has scored 3 goals in the last 4 games.
- Josh Bowler, 20-year old attacking midfielder.
- Tom Eaves, 28-year old forward. Apart from Bowen and Grosicki the one who's scored the most goals for Hull so far this season: 5.
Statistics
Hull create around the league average of shots so far in the Championship this season. Only 6 teams have created fewer shots on target than Hull so far in the Championship this season, Hull creating on average 3.65 shots on target per game.
Hull concede around the league average of shots so far in the Championship this season. Only 6 teams have conceded more shots on target than Hull so far in the Championship this season, the East Riding of Yorkshire club conceding on average 4.21 shots on target per game.
Form
Looking at the last 4 games, Hull have created on average 3.50 shots on target per game - below the average attacking numbers in the league right now. In the same time span, Hull have conceded on average 6.50 shots on target per game - the worst defensive numbers in the league right now.
So far this season, Hull's average rating at WhoScored has been 6.88. In the 5 games since the end of the January transfer window, Hull's average rating at WhoScored has been 6.44.
Barnsley
The Tykes have endured a harsh return to the second tier, currently rock bottom of the table. However, after 2 consecutive wins the gap to solid ground has shrunk from 12 to 6 points and there is a gleam of light or two emerging for Gerhard Struber and his team.
Squad status
No players in contention for inclusion in the line-up missing.
Statistics
Only 3 teams have created more shots than Barnsley so far in the Championship this season, Barnsley creating on average 13.74 shots on target per game. Only 6 teams have created more shots on target than Barnsley so far in the Championship this season, Barnsley creating on average 4.15 shots on target per game.
Barnsley concede around the league average of shots and shots on target so far in the Championship this season.
Form
Looking at the last 4 games, Barnsley have created on average 4.50 shots on target per game - above the average attacking numbers in the league right now. In these games, Barnsley have conceded on average 3.00 shots on target per game - one of the best defensive numbers in the league right now.
Check out more Championship stats here!
Conclusion & Betting Tips
Hull is one of the teams creating the fewest and conceding the most shots on target in the Championship, recent numbers cement these figures. Hull lost two key players in the January transfer window and will miss a handful of players on Wednesday on top of that.
Barnsley is actually one of the teams creating the most shots and shots on target in the Championship and in recent weeks the defensive numbers have been looking solid as well. With the gap to solid ground cut in half in 10 days’ time the drive and inspiration should be on a high.
My Betting Tip is: Barnsley
Stake at 8.75/10 units.
