Here at the Scratching Shed we always try to offer an unbiased, honest and totally impartial opinion ahead of, during and after Leeds United games… We’re rarely successful in our attempts, but before you read this preview of Leeds United v Hull City I thought it was important that you know “we tried”.

Who the f**k are Hull City?

Hull is a  small fishing town full of ex-Leeds fans that jumped on the Hull City FC bandwagon when the Tigers (ra, ra, ra) thought they were big enough to sustain a place in the Premier League.

The Premier League dream was realised in 2008, but still no one cared about Hull and after struggling to attract quality players and investment, they were sent back down in 2010. Currently 20th in the Championship, it seems the natural order of things is slowly being restored as Hull head for financial Armageddon and another relegation.

Previous encounters

There’s little history between these two clubs as Hull and Leeds have spent much of their existences playing at different levels. For the most part, Leeds have been the superior team, but the universe swung wildly out of control a few years back allowing the Tigers (ra ra ra) a brief spell of superiority (in terms of league position at least).

The last time we did meet was a season of mixed fortunes for the two sets of fans. Leeds were heading to League One for the first time in our history whilst Hull City were heading to the Premier League for the final time in theres. Despite the contrasting directions of both clubs, Leeds still maintained their superiority with a 2-1 win over the Tigers (ra ra ra).

Season so far

Whilst we Leeds United fans whine about inconsistencies that see us in 8th place in the Championship, spare a thought (or a laugh) for Hull who are struggling down in 20th position having scored just 10 goals in 15 games.

The Tigers (ra ra ra) will need little motivation ahead of this one, but neither will their manager, Nigel Pearson who is worried his job may be on the line if he can’t turn things around quickly.

Team news

Leeds welcome back Kasper Schmeichel after he missed the Coventry game to attend the birth of his son. Max Gradel and Amdy Faye are set for last minute fitness checks after missing Monday’s training with knocks picked up at the Ricoh whilst Richard Naylor, Sanchez Watt and Patrick Kisnorbo remain on Leeds’ injury list.

Hull City are also without some key players, most notably Jimmy Bullard and Caleb Folan. Former Leeds player, Nick Barmby plays for the Tigers (ra ra ra) but was warming the bench at the weekend and isn’t expected to start.