We have earned the right to get this massive opportunity to play an under strength small Premiership club in the semi-final of the FA Cup. We go into the game with a quality manager who seems to me to have found his true niche and senses his time has come to make his real mark in the game . It feels to me as though our manager and the whole of our football club feel as though we are in the early stages of a surge forward, regardless of us qualifying for the final this time.
We have a way of playing which is ideal for Wembley. We get numbers behind the ball, defend well at the back and have a capable, mature keeper. When we gain possession we are quick on the break and have a winger who can destroy teams; his colleagues know that and have the optimism and confidence to complement his runs with numbers in support. The way of playing is ideal for the cup and for Wembley.
Hull are doling we'll this season, way exceeding expectations. They have bought well but the new players have changed their way of playing and are not eligible for Wembley. Their rhythm is affected and some players have not had enough time on the pitch. Injuries have robbed them of two of their best planters, Brady and McGregor. Not one of the players to face us at Wembley would get in a Prem top six side; a couple wouldn't get in our side. There is intense pressure on Huddlestone, he needs space and time on the ball and won't get it. Livermore is good but not brilliant. Boyd blows hot and cold. Meyler is ok, Elmohamady has good days and bad. The defence is solid usually, the keeper needs games and is old, but steady. February, we'll he's a perpetual reserve or loaned these days. By this evening they will have lost 3 in a row.
Should we have signed a striker on loan? I thought so but NC said recently the players who got us there deserve the opportunity. No arguing with that and looking across the city, they signed four in a week all available for the cup, and they are no longer in it. Leadership like this engenders loyalty and and commitment.
On the day Hull may have 70 per cent possession early on but they have to make it count. The longer we stand firm the more runs Murphy and Flynn will go on. Hulls full backs look vulnerable defensively and will need cover. Scougall and Cody will run their midfield ragged on the counter attack. If Hull over commit we will get chances.
The other key man is Baxter. He has the class to make the difference in key moments in big games. He'll be quiet for spells, neat and tidy, overpowered in the air, but when the opportunities arise he will spot them. I reckon he has more natural ability than Huddlestone and, given the opportunities, he will deliver.
The size of the occasion will get to both teams. They are used to the Premiership and gained promotion last season so they have the advantage. NC said he thought we were overwhelmed by the occasion for the first half against Charlton; that's a worry. On the other hand we are the underdogs with a spirit of adventure and a certain sense of joy about how the season has unfolded. We are due a Wembley goal, we are due a Wembley victory. This is only Hulls second semi-final ever; who will be the most nervous?! I reckon the law of averages will see us through and it will be them not us who will bottle it !!
