Hull City and Reading found themselves on the losing ends of their EFL Championship fixtures on matchday 1. Now, both sides aim to rebound and get their seasons on track.
The Tigers kicked off the Grant McCann area with a 2-1 loss to Swansea City. Daniel Batty’s third-minute goal was cancelled out by two second-half strikes from the Swans’ Borja Baston and Mike van der Hoorn. Hull City kept just 36% possession during the fixture as Swansea City dominated the match.
Reading were defeated by Sheffield Wednesday at home. The Royals gave up three goals to Sheffield Wednesday. Yakou Meite managed to pull a goal back for Reading, but their defence couldn’t keep Sheffield Wednesday out of goal as they lost 3-1.
Reading dominated the fixture with 60% possession and 14 shots. However, Jose Gomes’ team couldn’t make that possession and shots tally count over the course of 90 minutes.
Hull City won their meeting against Reading at home last term. The Tigers defeated Reading 3-1 thanks to two goals from Kamil Grosicki and a strike from Marc Pugh. Reading were victorious against Hull City on their own pitch, 3-0, however.
The Tigers head into matchday 2 having not lost to Reading at the KCOM Stadium in their last six matches at the ground. Hull City have posted a 3W-3D-0L record against Reading on their own turf.
Reading finished the 2018-19 season in woeful form on the road. The Royals won just once in their last 19 away fixtures. Gomes needs his side to perform better on their travels or another relegation fight will be one the manager’s hands.
Hull City were active on the final day of the EFL Championship transfer window. McCann was able to sign centre-back Matthew Pennington on loan from Everton. He was joined by Leicester City full-back Callum Elder, Wigan Athletic midfielder Leonardo Lopes, and Bolton Wanderers striker Josh Magennis.
Reading were also able to add to their squad; however, they didn’t make as many significant moves as Hull City. Liverpool forward Ovie Ejaria joined the club on transfer deadline day on loan. Ejaria spent the second half of last season at Reading appearing in 16 games and scoring one goal.
Forward George Puscas also arrived at the Madjeski before the transfer window shut. Puscas, 23, joined from Inter Milan.
Neither side set the EFL Championship on fire on matchday 1. Saturday’s fixture should be low scoring as both teams begin to gel. Hull City and Reading should combine for a score draw with under 2.5 goals going into the back of the net.