FA Cup win over Barnsley could boost Hull City's momentum in promotion race, says Steve Agnew
HULL City assistant boss Steve Agnew is targeting victory over Barnsley in the FA Cup this afternoon as a means to build momentum ahead of a pivotal month in the Championship promotion race.
City welcome the Tykes to the KC Stadium aiming to book a place in the last 16 of the FA Cup for only the second time in 24 years.
-
Eldin Jakupovic will be back against Barnsley.
Although the competition will be a secondary concern in Steve Bruce's grand plans for the campaign, Agnew insists City are not taking the fourth round date lightly.
An extra-time win over Leyton Orient in round three remains City's only victory in 2013, and Agnew believes victory over Championship strugglers Barnsley can provide a timely lift ahead of six league games inside 22 days next month.
PURCHASE ANY NEW FREESTANDING WASHING MACHINE AND RECEIVE FREE CONNECTION AND DISPOSAL OF OLD.
***** HOLDERNESS ROAD STORE ONLY *****
Terms:
t's & c's
CONNECTION TO EXISTING , CORRECT AND ACCESSIBLE PIPEWORK ONLY
OLD MACHINE MUST BE DISCONNECTED PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
THIS VOUCHER MUST BE PRESENTED TO RECEIVE FREE CONNECTION AND DISPOSAL
Contact: 01482 423080
Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013
"It's all about winning football matches," he said. "That's why players turn up on a Saturday afternoon and train every day.
"You can gain momentum and confidence by winning matches week in and week out, whether it's a league game or an FA Cup tie.
"Players want to play, especially when we've had no midweek game.
"They'll all be champing at the bit and I'm sure every member of our squad would love to feature."
City are odds-on favourites to beat Barnsley at the KC Stadium for the second time this season, having previously won the league encounter 1-0 in early November.
And Agnew points to the example set by League Two Bradford City in reaching the League Cup final as inspiration for an extended run.
"Bradford are a great example of how far you can actually go in any cup competition once you win two or three games and get the ball rolling," he said.
"If the draw is kind you can progress, then who knows? If the big boys are paired with each other and you get a kind draw, before you know it you can be in the quarter-finals.
"There's been plenty of teams who have done it.
"There's a lot of Championship teams who have done well in recent years and we'll be looking to do the same."
Unlike the initial third round tie against Orient three weeks ago, Bruce is expected to resist wholesale changes.
One figure guaranteed a recall, however, will be goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.
The 28-year-old will return to replace the cup-tied David Stockdale for his first appearance at the KC since his nightmare display in the 3-1 loss to Sheffield Wednesday two weeks ago.
"Eldin did ever so well over the Christmas period and he's an experienced goalkeeper who's played in the Champions League.
"He is still bright and bubbly. In terms of confidence I'm sure he'll be fine," Agnew said.
11 Comments
View all
by CockneyTiger
Sunday, January 27 2013, 1:17AM
“Does scarb want to lay me odds against Cardiff getting promotion because I'll take them.”
by HCAFCscarb
Saturday, January 26 2013, 10:39PM
“Post was NOT aimed at you britanical....
Just the bit about Norwich and QPR ....
======================================”
by HCAFCscarb
Saturday, January 26 2013, 10:36PM
“Britanical
Norwich played a non league team and lost
QPR played a league 1 team and got thrashed...
The fact that Barnsley are just 20 places below us means NOTHING.
Much more important is getting 3 points in our next game...
The transfer window is open till midnight on Thursday.... Plenty of time yet..
Seems DJ Campbell did not want to come to Hull...
Fingers crossed we get Elmo back ..
We will finish in the top 6.
NO TEAM CAN EVER BE SURE OF A TOP TWO PLACE , not even Cardiff.
Plenty of time left...we might just go up automatic , maybe !
IF WE DON'T IT WON'T BE FOR THE LACK OF TRYING
If being sat in 3rd place with 50 points isn't good enough then I suggest you beep off and
Start supporting Man Utd....
Doh !”
by KingstonKarl
Saturday, January 26 2013, 5:19PM
“Again City dominate the game but can't get the ball in the net. I keep hoping that Simpson or Proswichtz will start to come good and put a goalscoring run together but it doesn't look like its going to happen. There has to be a momentous effort to get a goalscorer or two in before the transfer window shuts on Thursday or our season will slowly fade into a possible playoff place or as last season just missing out which given the ability this team has it would be a travesty.”
by Britincal2010
Saturday, January 26 2013, 5:06PM
“City play a team 20 places below us in the Championship that we already beat on their ground, have most of the possession, corners and shots and lose 0-1. Now who could have predicted that! I know that this game was meaningless in the context of our promotion hopes but SB fielded a strong side and we should have beaten Barnsley without raising a sweat. Losing can become a habit and this was a great opportunity to draw a top side in the next round and put some money in the bank.”
by fez_2
Saturday, January 26 2013, 4:29PM
“I think the DJ selection is a clear marker for his suitors to put or or shut up! To be fair, I like their style as they should get a stand-out performance from him!”
by fez_2
Saturday, January 26 2013, 4:25PM
“Just settled down in the local with a pint and my Kindle, great these gizmos!
That's a decent team he's put out, as it has the spine that allows continuity and the mix that allows talents to shine, if they are there! In particular I would expect goal(s) from NP and an improved Meyler.
Seems like we have oodles of possession and the same old . . .”
by HCAFCscarb
Saturday, January 26 2013, 3:26PM
“DJ Campbell playing for QPR today... Maybe he is staying put after all I've heard about him coming ...
Why risk injury to a player there suppose to be selling...”
by strummer1961
Saturday, January 26 2013, 1:24PM
“I agree with Baz.
Full strength today please,we need some continuity and we won't get that putting out our fringe players for this game!!!UTT.”
by ullmick
Saturday, January 26 2013, 12:14PM
“All well and good this romanticism aint it, so we play first team players, barnsley got nowt to lose, if we get any injuries who are we gonna bring in for the next two away games? what dya want top six, mebe top two or FA cup final(my a##e).
great save by matt duke, good lad hope see him wi champagne at wembley deserves no less”