The Championship makes a triumphant return this weekend following the league suspension. Hull City and Charlton Athletic meet in a vital clash in the Championship relegation battle. The Tigers and the Addicks are separated by just two points and a place in the Championship table.
It’s been a turbulent time for both sides off the pitch and the pressures of on-field matters take priority in a must-win game for both sides. It is a game neither side dare not lose as both fight for survival in the Championship
Hull City and Charlton Athletic Meet in Vital Clash
Massive Difficulties for Hull City
Hull City head into this vital game on the back of a rotten 2020 and several key players have failed to agree to contract extensions. Losing key men Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosicki in the January transfer window has also hit Hull City hard.
Their problems have mounted further with Eric Lichaj, Stephen Kingsley, Jackson Irvine, and Marcus Maddison all failing to agree on a short-term contract extension to finish the season. The four players will play no further part this season meaning Hull will have to rely on their academy players.
Hull were also hit by a further blow that on-loan Mallik Wilks will return to Barnsley at the end of the month meaning he is only available for two of Hull’s matches.
Their form in 2020 has been dire. Prior to the league suspension, the Tigers had notched just five points from their 12 games since New Years’ Day, which has seen Hull drop to fourth from bottom in the Championship. However, Grant McCann will see this as a perfect opportunity to pull clear of danger. Victory could move Hull five points clear of the relegation zone.
Turbulent Times at Charlton
Hull’s opponents Charlton have also had their off-field issues with disputes between the owner and his chairman. However, those disputes are finally resolved with Charlton under new ownership for the second time this season.
Their main aim is to secure their Championship status. However, they start this weekend in the bottom three and know they cannot afford to lose at the KCOM Stadium.
Like Hull, Charlton have also had issues with several players including top scorer Lyle Taylor, who has refused to play due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He, along with Chris Solly and David Davis, has refused to train and will not be available for the rest of the season. Lee Bowyer knows the magnitude of this game and the repercussions it brings if his side falls to defeat.
Prior to the league suspension, Charlton had lost their last three league games and overall had collected just four wins from their last 25 Championship matches.
The Previous Meeting
The two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw when they met in December with Hull snatching an equaliser in stoppage time.
Prediction
Even without the crowd to boost their teams, this game was always going to be a tight, nervy affair. Both sides must go for the win in this vital clash.
Both sides struggle to score goals and one goal should be enough to win this game. With both sides missing key players, someone could step out of the shadows and make themselves a hero.
A vital clash in the battle for Championship survival.
Prediction: Hull City 1-0 Charlton Athletic
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