Hull City prepare to host Everton at MKM Stadium on Sunday with a growing injury list. The Tigers sit eighth in the Premier League on eight points, just one behind their unbeaten visitors.
Key midfielders Hidemasa Morita and Nobel Mendy are ruled out, while goalkeeper Jack Butland is also unavailable. Full-back Matt Targett is a doubt with an ankle issue and Elliot Stroud is battling illness. Their absences present a challenge for a side looking to build on a mixed start of two wins, two draws and one defeat.
Everton arrive with their own concerns. Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko is a major doubt after missing Ukraine's recent internationals. National team coach Andrea Maldara explained the situation. "Unfortunately, we cannot count on Mykolenko, he is not feeling very well," Maldara said. "We do not want him to suffer an even more serious injury." The Toffees are also without Merlin Rohl, with Christian Norgaard and Mykolenko considered touch and go.
Hull's attacking hopes will rest on Mohamed El Bachir Belloumi and Oliver McBurnie. Belloumi is the club's top scorer this season with two goals, including a brace in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
David Moyes's Everton side are seventh and have taken nine points from their opening five games without a loss. Their threat will come from forwards Thierno Barry and the creative Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Hull's recent form shows one win in their last five league outings, a run they are desperate to improve.
Supporters are reminded that Walton Street and Carnegie Way car parks will be closed for this fixture due to Hull Fair. The Priory Park & Ride will operate extra buses. Both car parks will reopen for the next home game against Brentford on October 25. Sunday's match kicks off at 2pm at MKM Stadium.
