Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has confirmed a heavily rotated lineup for the club's EFL Cup second round match away at Stoke City. The Tigers travel to the bet365 Stadium on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with kickoff set for 7:45 p.m. BST, as reported by Athlon Sports writer Pragjyoti Singh. This comes just days after a landmark 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United, a result that has boosted confidence within the squad. The club's final Championship campaign last season saw them finish 6th with 68 points, scoring 64 goals but conceding 60.
What is Hull City's starting lineup?
Sergej Jakirovic has made significant alterations to his team for the cup fixture. The starting eleven features Tzolakis in goal, with a back four of Coyle, Ajayi, Mendy, and Giles. The midfield trio consists of Slater and Crooks, with Belloumi, Hjerto-Dahl, and Stroud operating in advanced roles. Oli McBurnie leads the line as the lone striker. This rotation is a deliberate strategy to manage player workload during the early stages of the Premier League season, keeping key individuals fresh for the league campaign. You can view the full squad details on our squad page.
Where can fans watch the match?
Supporters in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on television via Sky Sports+. The game will also be available for streaming online through the Sky Go app or with a NOW Sports Membership. For viewers in the United States, the 2:45 p.m. ET kickoff will be broadcast exclusively on Paramount+. CBS Sports holds the U.S. broadcast rights for all EFL and Carabao Cup matches this season.
What was the context from the Manchester United win?
Hull City's impressive 2-0 win against Manchester United at the weekend provided the perfect platform for this cup tie. Centre-back Semi Ajayi opened the scoring from close range, with Nobel Mendy adding a second goal in the 38th minute. That result has given Jakirovic the flexibility to rotate his squad for the cup without disrupting momentum. The manager is prioritizing the long Premier League season, where the Tigers aim to build on their promotion success. Last season's final league standing of 6th placed them 18 points behind champions Coventry City.
What is the historical record against Stoke?
The head-to-head history between these two sides favors the home team. In previous meetings, Stoke City have recorded 16 victories compared to Hull City's 8 wins, with 7 matches ending in draws. This cup tie offers Hull a chance to improve that record in a competition they will view as an opportunity for silverware and further momentum. The match represents a different challenge following their strong league start.
Hull City's focus now splits between maintaining their Premier League status and pursuing a cup run. The rotated side selected by Jakirovic will be eager to prove their worth and secure a place in the next round. The club's recent form, including that win over Manchester United, suggests they have the depth to compete on multiple fronts. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our fixtures and standings pages.
