Hull City are aiming to make it a perfect start to their return to the Premier League when they take on Aston Villa in Saturday’s late kick-off.
The Tigers have made an impressive start to life back in England’s top flight, winning their opening two league matches and collecting six points from a possible six. They now have the opportunity to make it three victories in a row and strengthen their position among the early Premier League leaders.
Hull’s opening results have already attracted plenty of attention. The newly promoted side produced a statement performance in their first game, beating Manchester United 2-0 before following it up with a narrow 1-0 victory over Coventry City.
Those results have given Hull confidence and, perhaps more importantly, demonstrated that their promotion was no fluke. They have combined defensive organisation with an ability to take their chances when opportunities arrive.
Their defensive record has been particularly impressive. Hull have conceded no goals in their opening two matches, keeping back-to-back clean sheets. Another shutout against Aston Villa would underline just how difficult the Tigers have become to break down.
However, Aston Villa represent a significantly different challenge.
Villa have also endured a difficult beginning to the campaign, losing their opening two matches without scoring. They will therefore arrive determined to respond and get their first points of the season.
That makes Saturday’s contest an intriguing battle between a Hull side full of confidence and a Villa team desperate to stop their poor run before it develops into a bigger problem.
The match is already under way, with both teams looking to establish control. Hull will be encouraged by their unbeaten start and the support of their home crowd, while Villa will know that a positive result could provide the spark they need to turn their season around.
For Hull, victory would be more than just another three points. It would take them to nine points from their first three Premier League matches and send a powerful message to the rest of the division.
Few would have expected a newly promoted team to begin the season with three consecutive victories, particularly against opponents with the stature of Manchester United and Aston Villa. Yet Hull have already shown that they are capable of competing at this level.
The Tigers will also be aware that maintaining their defensive discipline could prove crucial. Their two clean sheets have provided the foundation for their perfect start, and keeping Villa’s attacking players quiet could once again be the key to success.
Villa, meanwhile, need to find a way to turn possession and attacking pressure into goals. Going into the match without a goal from their first two league fixtures will be a major concern, and they cannot afford to allow Hull to settle into the game.
With the match currently level, the pressure will increase as the game progresses. Hull will believe another victory is within reach, while Villa will be determined to spoil the Tigers’ remarkable opening run.
Can Hull City complete the job and make it three Premier League wins from three?
The answer will come at the final whistle, but one thing is already clear: Hull have announced their return to the Premier League in impressive fashion.