Hull City

Tasnim Chowdhury
BBC Sport journalist

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita and defender Charlie Hughes will be out for the match on Saturday. Right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy and defender Paddy McNair will be available.

• On his team bouncing back from the League Cup defeat to Sunderland: "Everything is fine, the atmosphere is good. Defeats will be defeats, it will be many, many more defeats. It is normal. We want to play good, perform good and try to take some points in the next two games."

• Jakirovic said he does not have "any doubt" about new signing Sorba Thomas, who is "sharp and has speed". Jakirovic says Thomas "suits the team", adding: "He's very good in delivery and end product is good. And also very good in set pieces".

• On positive starts and pressure: "Every game is a new challenge and we will try to play even better than the last three rounds. I'm expecting in every game that we grow and it's great experience for us now that we have three games behind us".

• Jakirovic things his side can still play better and improve, insisting they feel no pressure as they have seven points and have not conceded. He said: "Imagine we had one or zero points, then it will be pressure. This excellent confidence, we have to continue like this so we compete and have our chances. Every game you have a chance."

• On the system his side will play against Chelsea: "Which system we will play depends on our profile, what we have available and then we will see. Chelsea are playing mostly in the low block 5-4-1. They can play out of possession as well because they are quick on the counter attack so it will be interesting."

• On Chelsea: "I watched Chelsea v Leeds yesterday, it is unbelievable how they are very strong, especially their offensive side. Anyone can decide every game and we have to be even more solid there, aggressive and compact. We will be under pressure, this is 100% because they are a very good team with an excellent coach. It is a great challenge ahead of us and we will try to play good. For me, they will be in the top four 100% because they have this quality."

Hear more from Jakirovic above or on BBC Sounds here

Listen to full match commentary of Chelsea v Hull City on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 and BBC Sounds on Saturday

Got a question about Hull City? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League has announced it will stage seven matches on Boxing Day this year after releasing its festive schedule.

Four fixtures will be staged at 15:00 GMT, with further matches played at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00.

The fixture programme for 26 December, which falls on a Saturday in 2026, is considerably bigger than last year, when one game was held.

Three matches will be played on Sunday, 27 December, while three further rounds of games will be held over a period up to Thursday, 7 January.

A round of evening midweek fixtures will staged on 29-30 December, while Leeds will host Everton (20:00) for the only match on New Year's Day.

The remainder of that round will be held over the weekend of 2-3 January, with the fourth round of games spread across the evenings of 5-7 January.

The Premier League has brought forward the announcement of fixture scheduling over the Christmas and New Year period after consultation with both broadcast partners and the Football Supporters' Association and representatives from club Fan Advisory Boards.

Television scheduling for Premier League fixtures has been announced up to Monday, 2 November, with broadcast selections for the remaining games in November and December to be announced in the weeks commencing 21 September and 19 October respectively.

The Premier League has guaranteed clubs at least a 60-hour break between fixtures over the festive period to address the concerns over a congested festive schedule that follows recent expansions of the European and international calendars.

Premier League Christmas and New Year schedule

Saturday, 26 December

12:30 Aston Villa v Leeds

15:00 Everton v Sunderland

15:00 Fulham v Brighton

15:00 Ipswich v Brentford

15:00 Spurs v AFC Bournemouth

17:30 Hull v Liverpool

20:00 Newcastle v Manchester City

Sunday, 27 December

14:00 Coventry v Chelsea

16:30 Manchester Utd v Nottingham Forest

19:00 Crystal Palace v Arsenal

Tuesday, 29 December

19:30 Hull v Leeds

19:30 Spurs v Brighton

20:15 Everton v Manchester City

Wednesday, 30 December

19:30 Coventry v Brentford

19:30 Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth

19:30 Fulham v Arsenal

19:30 Manchester United v Sunderland

19:30 Newcastle v Nottingham Forest

20:15 Aston Villa v Liverpool

20:15 Ipswich v Chelsea

Friday, 1 January

20:00 Leeds v Everton

Saturday, 2 January

12:30 Brighton v Manchester United

15:00 Arsenal v Ipswich

15:00 Brentford v Crystal Palace

15:00 Liverpool v Coventry

15:00 Nottingham Forest v Fulham

15:00 Sunderland v Hull

17:30 AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa

Sunday, 3 January

14:00 Chelsea v Newcastle

16:30 Manchester City v Spurs

Tuesday, 5 January

19:30 Arsenal v Brentford

19:30 Brighton v AFC Bournemouth

19:30 Everton v Aston Villa

19:30 Nottingham Forest v Hull

20:15 Sunderland v Liverpool

Wednesday, 6 January

19:30 Crystal Palace v Chelsea

19:30 Fulham v Spurs

19:30 Ipswich v Coventry

20:15 Leeds v Manchester City

Thursday, 7 January

20:00 Manchester United v Newcastle

Image source, Getty Images

Hull City have mutually agreed to terminate David Akintola's contract to facilitate his permanent move to Cypriot side Omonoia Nicosia.

The 30-year-old winger, who signed a two-year deal in August 2025, was not included in Sergej Jakirovic's 25-man Premier League squad for this season despite playing an important role in sealing promotion last term.

Akintola made 20 Championship appearances in 2025-26, scoring one goal and registering two assists, while also featuring in the FA Cup.

A club statement read: "We would like to thank him for his efforts throughout his time at the MKM Stadium and we wish him well for the future."

At 22-years-old, Mohamed-Ali Cho has had quite the journey to the Premier League.

The young forward has already played senior football in Ligue 1, La Liga and now the top flight of English football is in his sights.

After joining the Humberside-based club this summer for an undisclosed fee from Nice, the France under-21s international made his first start under boss Sergej Jakirovic in the 1-0 loss to Sunderland.

Although Cho's strong south London accent shines through when he spoke to Radio Humberside, he has French roots running through his body.

"I was born in France and grew up in London. I grew up at Elephant and Castle. You can tell by my accent. I feel like I have got both sides, English and French," he explained.

"I have grown up quite differently compared to the regular. It is different, but I am happy it is different."

After representing Chantilly and Paris St-Germain at youth level, Cho moved back to England to play for Everton's academy for four years.

After his spell on Merseyside, Cho opted for a move back to France to join Angers in 2020, a move which helped kick-start his career.

He made his professional debut for Angers aged 16 and became the club's youngest scorer.

Since then, Cho has gained experience of playing in European competitions, having featured 13 times in the Europa League for Nice and in the Champions League for Spanish side Real Sociedad.

However, now he eagerly awaits his first start in the Premier League.

"For me, it is the best league in the world, so playing in this league is going to be an amazing experience for me and a really good challenge. Happy to help the team as much as I can."

Listen to more from Mohamed-Ali Cho by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie between Sunderland and Hull City.

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans:

Graham: Good solid performance to progress with 11 changes from the weekend. All three new signings had a good game, with Jules Ahoka playing particularly well. Fantastic finish from Chemsdine Talbi to win the game. Confidence-building and match practice for all involved.

Ian: A well organised run out for Sunderland. They didn't look like world beaters tonight with a changed team. Talbi's goal was sublime and a worthy match-winner. The debutants looked like decent additions. Positive result.

Will: Considering it was an entirely rotated XI, very promising. Depth in the squad is at levels we probably have never had before. Ahoka one to watch, seems very tidy for a player who has played a handful of senior games.

Hull fans:

Chris: It would have been a bonus to win this, however staying in the Premier League must remain our priority this year. Pleased some of our new players got an outing, hopefully that will bode well for the next tricky game against Chelsea. Up the Tigers!

Richard: Team did not gel, especially the defence. Gelhardt should have made it 1-1 and it looked as though Hull should have had a penalty a few minutes into the game. However, Sunderland deserve to go through.

Rod: Strategic loss for Hull. The last thing they need is extended cup runs eating away at their efforts to stay up in the Premier League.

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic, speaking to Radio Humberside after exiting the Carabao Cup in the third round: "I think we played an average game.

"For me, it was 50-50. We did a mistake after our corner, but maybe we could win this challenge, or we can have better organisation there, but this is football.

"It's normal. We had one excellent chance through [Joe] Gelhardt after a cross of Thomas and maybe that was the best chance in the game.

"And unfortunately we didn't score and congratulations to Sunderland.

"I always expect that we will score the goal because it's a great chance, but it's football."

Listen to more from Jakirovic above or BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Sunderland's performance

What did you make of Hull City's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies.

There are five games in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Lincoln City

• Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Leyton Orient v Bradford City

• Sunderland v Hull City

• Millwall v Newcastle (20:00)

Kick-off times 19:45 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live EFL Cup commentary on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Crystal Palace match".

There's also Champions League action happening on Tuesday - follow those games here

New this season: Live match updates

Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.

Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

Find out more here

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New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

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We asked for your views on whether you're worried about anything within Sergej Jakirovic's side or if you are completely happy with what the Tigers boss has done so far.

Here are some of your comments:

Pete: A dream start. Beyond our wildest expectations. We have a great squad of likeable and committed players.

We have invested sensibly in some quality lads, like Mendy, Stroud, Harrington, Ansah, Mouzakitis and Tzolakis and many others, whilst retaining a core of the tight-knit group of Wembley heroes. So we have valuable investments to sell on.

Can we maintain this form all season? Unlikely, but we have great character and a top-notch manager, so we may continue to surprise a lot of teams. Much will depend, of course, on how Sergej Jakirovic blends the new arrivals with established stars, plus he may need to show tactical flexibility as the season progresses.

But suddenly, Hull City is on the map, their exploits are a point of interest to pundits, and some have already been made to look like clowns after underestimating our team, proud fans and the character of our great city. That is reflected in the fine performances from the mighty Tigers.

Steve: The biggest concern is the feeling that many so-called expert pundits are just waiting for the bubble to burst so that they can say it was inevitable. The manager, the players and the fans at Hull are very grounded and very together - we don't worry about the noise from outside the club.

Hull City fan Ryan Frankish believes the club's "stubbornness", "talent" and "discipline" are giving the Tigers a platform to gain valuable points.

Sergej Jakirovic's side have emphatically returned to the Premier League, but Tigers fans who experienced their relegation back to the Championship in 2017 will be wary that the road to survival is long and unpredictable.

Does anything worry you at this stage with Sergej Jakirovic's side? Do Hull need to make any tactical tweaks? Or are you completely happy with what Hull City boss is doing? Get in touch with your views here

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Hull City assistant head coach Dean Holden has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 19:45 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Matt Crooks and Tim Iroegbunam will train on Monday and are likely to be in the travelling squad.

• New signing Sorba Thomas is eligible to play against Sunderland despite playing for former club Stoke City in the previous round. On whether he will play, Holden said: "It's too early to say."

• They have not yet had the results from Paddy McNair's foot scan, but they are hopeful they will on Monday.

• Holden said new players, and those coming back from injury, are given the opportunity of "much-needed minutes" in the cup, which is beneficial at this stage of the season.

• Holden said "there is a feel-good factor" around the club following the impressive start to the Premier League season, but warned: "If you take your eye off the ball too early, then you can become unstuck."

• On the Carabao Cup: "It's another game we want to try to win because we want to go as far as we can in this competition."

• He said Sunderland will "be a big test" and they "have no idea" what team Regis le Bris will select because of the Black Cats' Premier League and European commitments.

• More on Sunderland: "I love the way that they play. They have a lot of athleticism along the frontline and some real good options."

Hit play above to hear more from Holden, speaking to BBC Radio Humberside's James Hoggarth, or listen on BBC Sounds here

Got a question about Hull City? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Hull City and Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Hull City fans

Gary: Excellent team performance, set up with a gameplan that worked almost to perfection. More shots on target than Villa. The game is not all about possession, it's about what you do with the ball when you have it. It won't work every week, but it will be fun watching Hull City win more games this season.

Surly: Another fine game and a very worthwhile result - 270 minutes of Premier League action in which the Tigers have not been breached.

Mark: Good point. Might have gone either way but handy getting Villa at this stage in their season.

Geoffrey: Three clean sheets is not bad for a no-hoper team. Great team performance after a shaky start. Hull City were the best team by a country mile in the last quarter.

Aston Villa fans

Arnie: Lacked creativity. Should have been Leon Goretzka instead of Ross Barkley starting. Why bother with Alejandro Garnacho when you've got £47m Ibrahim Mbaye warming the bench? Unai Emery needs to be more adventurous with his selections. Boring.

Arthur: We were very slow and seemed to lack creativity and looked almost scared to put crosses in or play behind the defenders. That said, if any of the Nicolas Jackson, John McGinn and Emi Buendia chances are put away, the narrative would be very different. Europe may give us the kick-start we need like last season. We will improve.

Paul: Early days in the season. Lacking that attacking flare but I think when the new signings start to click, we will see things flowing. In Unai, we trust.

Steve: Thought we had great movement and distribution. We looked stronger at the back with Tyrone Mings as well. Just need to find that goalscoring touch as we are making the right moves and creating chances. Not convinced about Jackson and think Tammy Abraham might deserve a run, especially against Coventry City.

After Hull City's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, Regan Slater thanked the club's owner and chairman Acun Ilicali for sticking to his word and ensuring he was offered a new contract.

"The chairman said he would reward us, and he has stuck to his word. Thank you, Mr Chairman," the 26-year-old told BBC Radio Humberside.

Slater's new deal commits him to the club until the summer of 2029. The midfielder said he was "delighted" to stay and can now he "concentrate on the football" with the extension confirmed.

So far, the Sheffield United academy graduate has featured in every Tigers fixture this season, with Sergej Jakirovic's side having taken seven points from their opening three Premier League games and progressing to the third round of the Carabao Cup, where they face Sunderland on Tuesday.

"We do the basics really well every game. Everyone works for each other. If we're not going to do that, then we won't get results in football matches," added Slater.

"I feel like we're just comfortable to not have the ball - we never really panic.

"It has been a good start. The back three gets a lot of plaudits and the lads who have come on have been outstanding. Everyone is putting a shift in.

"I didn't have a reason to doubt myself and I have got off to a good start along with all the other lads."

Hit play above to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

As recently as last year Hull avoided relegation to League One only on goal difference.

Fast-forward 16 months and they are now going toe to toe with the big names of the Premier League.

The turnaround can be traced back to the arrival of Sergej Jakirovic before last season.

The former Bosnia international joined a club under a transfer embargo, confining them to free transfers and loans, but still made them promotion contenders.

Jakirovic guided Hull to a play-off win against a Millwall side who finished three places and 10 points above them, before Oli McBurnie's last-gasp winner against Middlesbrough secured top-flight football.

And Hull did not stay still in the summer.

They were the busiest Premier League side with 18 new signings for about £150m, with six of them, including £22m midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Everton, arriving on deadline day.

"I know the core of my team. This is the Championship players," said Jakirovic, who signed a two-year contract extension on Friday.

"We brought the players in to put some quality there.

"The big problem for me is who didn't have a pre-season. This is a very big problem. But we will try.

"For example, on Tuesday [against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup], we will use that to give minutes, and at the end they will get a new chance."

Read more here

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Hull entered the third round of fixtures as one of only four Premier League clubs with a 100% record after two games.

And Sergej Jakirovic's side had every opportunity to keep that record going against Aston Villa.

The majority of Hull's attacks on Saturday went through Mohamed Belloumi on the right wing and he almost gifted a third win from as many matches to the Tigers here with a stunning effort.

The Algerian winger, 24, has shown in the opening weeks he has the quality to make an impact in the Premier League after starring in their promotion campaign.

But it was not just Belloumi who threatened to inflict another defeat on Villa.

New signing Mohamed-Ali Cho produced a save out of Zion Suzuki after combining with Oli McBurnie in the 89th minute and, not much later, McBurnie himself failed to make proper connection with a Ryan Giles cross with the goal at his mercy.

But sitting just two points behind leaders Manchester City with a clean sheet and unbeaten after three matches is not a bad position to be in for a club that avoided relegation to League One on goal difference only last year.

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic speaking to BBC's Match of the Day: "I'm realistic. I think this is a realistic result. We gave everything we had. They had two clear chances, we also could win the game at the end. I won't be ungrateful, this is a great result for us. Seven points, three games. Clean sheet. Let's move on."

On balancing his new signings into the team: "I know the core of my team, this is the Championship players. Of course, we brought the players in to put some quality there. We have. The big problem for me is who didn't have a pre-season. This is a very big problem. But we will try. For example, on Tuesday, we will use that to give minutes and at the end, they will get a new chance."

On Oli McBurnie's late chance: "Maybe fatigue, because it's a great effort from Oli. It is very demanding because we were out of possession which is very normal. Aston Villa is a good team, they need more time with their new players. Same with Ali-Cho. I don't know how many meters, if he shoots one metre around the goalkeeper. He has a chance. But we will not be ungrateful, we will be looking forward."

On recent form: "Maybe expect to fight for a Champions League place? No, of course it is early. Our goal is to as soon as possible, collect the points. I think around 38/40 points, so as soon as possible to get these points."

Listen to Jakirovic speak to BBC Radio Humberside here

Did you know?

• Hull City are just the third newly promoted side to keep a clean sheet in each of their opening three Premier League games of a season after Charlton Athletic in 1998-99 and Huddersfield Town in 2017-18.

• Hull City are the sixth newly promoted side to earn 7+ points in their opening three games of a Premier League season and first since Huddersfield Town in 2017-18.