This Week's Opposition: Hull City

A closer look at Portsmouth's next Championship opponent.

A point was shared on Wednesday evening under the lights at Fratton Park, against The Red Dragons.

With games coming in quick concession, next up the Blues head to Hull for an early kick-off time at the MKM Stadium.

MANAGER

Bosnian manager Sergej Jakirovic is at the helm.

After an extensive career in European football as a centre-back, he began his managerial career with former Croatian team Sesvete. (ses veet The 48-year-old also managed teams in Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kayserispor.

He only managed Turkish team Kayserispor from the end of January 2025 before leaving by mutual consent in June, following the 2024-25 season's conclusion.

Jakirovic was appointed manager of Hull on a 2-year contract in June this year. With the club holding an option for a further year. He was joined in England by long-time assistant Marko Salatović, as well as the rest of his personal coaching team consisting of Marvin Ivančić and Andjelo Rogulijić.

ONE TO WATCH

Left wing-back Ryan Giles is one to keep tabs on.

After coming through the youth ranks at Wolverhampton Wanderers he had multiple loan spells in English football before signing for Luton. Whilst with Luton he first went on loan with the Tigers on a six-month loan. Hull triggered their option to sign Giles from Luton following his loan spell. Giles signed a three-year deal with the club for an undisclosed fee in June 2024.

Last season, he joined Micheal Carrick’s Middlesbrough in January on loan until the end of the season.

So far this campaign, the number 3 has 6 assists.

TOP SCORER

The Tigers have 2 top goalscorers both on 6 goals so far this campaign.

Joe Gelhardt began his career with Wigan Athletic before signing for Leeds United in 2020. He had his first loan spell with the club at the end of the 2024/25 season. Leeds loaned Gelhardt out to Hull again for a season-long loan spell.

Oli McBurnie played youth football for Leeds and Bradford City. After beginning his career with Bradford he spent 2 loan spells at Chester. The 29-year-old later signed for Swansea City, spending time on loan at Newport County, Bristol Rovers and Barnsley.

McBurnie spent 5 seasons at Sheffield United, accumulating 26 goals from 146 games before the expiration of his contract led him to La Liga club Las Palmas.

The number 9 joined Hull on a 3-year deal - A run of 5 goals and 1 assist in 4 matches saw him named Championship Player of the Month for September.

After suffering a knee injury against Birmingham City on the 18th of October, McBurnie will be unavailable for selection this weekend.

CURRENT FORM

Hull occupy 8th in the Championship table, accumulating 22 points from the opening 14 games. Their most recent 2-1 away defeat at Pride Park on Tuesday evening, ended their 6 match unbeaten streak.

The last time the Blues made the trip to the MKM Stadium, the points were shared in a 1-1 draw with Josh Murphy bagging his first goal in blue and white.

Can John Mousinho’s side pick up a crucial 3 points on the road?

Join Jake Smith, Kirsty Roxanne and David Howes on Express FM from 11:30am on Saturday (November 8th) for full coverage of Hull City vs Portsmouth at the MKM Stadium.

Kick-off: 12:30pm!