Hull host Stoke and seek striker signing after Europa loss

Hull City boss Steve Bruce is expected to bring back the majority of the players he rested for the club’s Europa League play-off loss at Belgian team Lokeren.

Although they trail 1-0 going into the second leg at home next week, the Tigers are one for one in the Premier League, after taking all three points against QPR. Bruce’s boys are 11/8 to beat Stoke City, who lost their maiden match by a goal to nil at home against Aston Villa.

Centre back James Chester, who netted against the Hoops, is 8/1 to add to his tally and score anytime, however it is likely he’ll be tested at the other end, with Bojan Krkic and Peter Crouch 2/1 each to net in the same market.

The Tigers are reportedly tracking Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes, however, Croatian Nikica Jelavic is likely to feature after the departure of Shane Long, and is 6/1 to open the scoring.

Goalkeeper Allan McGregor went from hero to villain after saving Charlie Austin’s penalty at Loftus Road, and then gifting Lokeren their goal in midweek. Bruce, however, is keen to move on following his team’s lacklustre performance, and is looking ahead to the game against Stoke.

“We’ve had our first lesson of what playing in Europe is about,” he said. “Concentration levels are paramount and we’ve made a mistake which cost us. We had three of four wonderful opportunities to score late on but unfortunately missed them.

“If you make a mistake like that, at this level, it’s an awful way to lose a match. McGregor was a hero on Saturday when he saved a penalty but he’s made a mistake which has cost us.”

Stoke boss Mark Hughes, meanwhile, can choose Victor Moses after adding the Nigerian winger to his ranks on loan from Chelsea, and the player is 5/1 to score at anytime on his Potters bow.

Hull, however, will have to fill the void left by Robert Snodgrass, who sustained a serious injury on his debut following a summer move from Norwich. With the away side looking for their first win, and the Tigers hard to beat, a draw could be the most likely result, with a goalless stalemate offered at 13/2.