Premier League preview: Newcastle v Hull

Team news
Caretaker Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is facing a major selection headache as he prepares for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash with Hull.

Habib Beye (Achilles) is a doubt, while medics are still trying to assess the extent of shoulder damage suffered by Argentina international Jonas Gutierrez in midweek.

Obafemi Martins (groin), Mark Viduka (Achilles), Damien Duff (knee) and Jose Enrique (hamstring) will all be missing, while Alan Smith was not match-fit for the match at Arsenal and Joey Barton is serving a six-match ban.

A clutch of youngsters could be involved although deadline day signings Xisco and Ignacio Gonzalez could play, while Geremi (knee) and Claudio Cacapa (hamstring) are back in contention.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Beye, N'Zogbia, Taylor, Coloccini, Cacapa, Bassong, Tozer, Edgar, Butt, Geremi, Guthrie, Smith, Gonzalez, Owen, Xisco, Donaldson, Ranger.

Hull hope to welcome back experienced Barclays Premier League pair George Boateng and Anthony Gardner for tomorrow's trip to Newcastle after thigh problems.

Midfielder Boateng has been out since the first match while defender Gardner missed the 5-0 thrashing by Wigan after a minor operation.

Striker Marlon King returns after being precluded from the Wigan game under the terms of his loan and defender Sam Ricketts is fit after a bout of shingles.

New defenders Kamil Zayatte and Paul McShane, both signed on season-long loans, are in contention but Daniel Cousin, the recent capture from Rangers, is suspended.

Provisional squad: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Gardner, Dawson, Garcia, Ashbee, Barmby, Geovanni, Fagan, Halmosi, Folan, King, Windass, Mendy, Marney, Duke, Brown, Boateng, Zayatte, McShane.

The New Football Pools pundits' predictions
John Barnes: Home win
Tony Cascarino: Home win
Graham Poll: Draw

OPTA Match facts
Newcastle and Hull haven't met in the league since 1990-91, when Hull won both games 2-1

Despite those two victories Hull were relegated after finishing bottom of the table

The two sides last met in a League Cup tie in 1997-98 with Newcastle beating Hull 2-0 at St James Park

Hull haven't kept a clean sheet in their last eight regular league games.

Shay Given has been forced into 15 saves so far - the joint-most in the league.

The Magpies have won four out of their last five home matches, keeping clean sheets in those four victories.

Michael Owen has scored eight goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances.

Marlon King scored on his only Premier League appearance against Newcastle - back in May 2007.

Newcastle have won only one of their last six Premier League matches.

Hull have allowed their opponents just nine shots on target but have conceded seven goals.

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