Hull City host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, with the Tigers chasing a third straight win while Villa look for their first points of the season.
Hull City have already upset the odds in their return to the Premier League, but their biggest test yet arrives on Saturday when Aston Villa visit the MKM Stadium.
Sergej Jakirovic’s side have won their opening two league games, beating Manchester United 2-0 before securing a 1-0 victory away to Coventry City. Both wins came with clean sheets, giving Hull six points from six and putting them among the early pace-setters. Aston Villa, by contrast, are still searching for their first point and first goal after defeats to Brighton and Arsenal.
Up north for matchday 3️⃣ in the Premier League ✊ pic.twitter.com/x9J1tGwoky
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) September 5, 2026
Hull Have Shocked Everyone
Hull were widely tipped to struggle after returning to the Premier League, but the Tigers have immediately shown that they are not here simply to make up the numbers.
The 2-0 victory over Manchester United was the biggest statement, but the subsequent win at Coventry arguably demonstrated something even more important: Jakirovic’s team can win different types of games.
Liam Millar’s 82nd-minute goal secured the three points at Coventry, while goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and a disciplined back three helped Hull preserve another clean sheet.
Villa’s Nightmare Start
Aston Villa could hardly have imagined a worse beginning.
Unai Emery’s side were thrashed 4-0 by Brighton before suffering a narrow 1-0 home defeat against reigning champions Arsenal. Most concerningly, Villa have failed to register a single shot on target across their opening 180 Premier League minutes.
That statistic is particularly alarming for a club with European ambitions. Villa won the Europa League last season and have spent heavily rebuilding their squad, but the departures of key players have left Emery with a team still trying to discover its identity.
Saturday therefore represents more than another league fixture. Villa need an attacking response.
Team News
Nicolas Jackson is one of the players Villa will be relying on to change their fortunes.
The Senegal international joined from Chelsea in a club-record £65 million deal and arrives with plenty of Premier League experience. His pace and ability to attack space could be particularly useful against a Hull side expected to defend in a compact shape.
Reunited. This time in claret & blue.
Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/s2P8j6uKJa
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) August 28, 2026
Ross Barkley can also provide creativity from midfield, while Villa’s deadline-day additions have given Emery more options. Taylor Harwood-Bellis could make his debut, while Ibrahim Mbaye and Alejandro Garnacho are also available for consideration.
João Gomes is suspended following his red card against Brighton, while Amadou Onana remains out with a long-term knee injury. Johan Manzambi and Brian Madjo are also expected to miss the trip.
Leon Goretzka is among those who could come into contention after joining Villa, while Harwood-Bellis is another new signing who could be involved.
Hull’s defensive record has been one of the defining stories of their opening two matches. Semi Ajayi has been particularly impressive and even scored in the victory over Manchester United, while John Egan and Nobel Mendy have helped form a solid defensive unit.
But keeping Villa quiet will be different from facing a struggling Manchester United attack or newly promoted Coventry. Jackson, Garnacho and the rest of Villa’s attacking options possess the quality to punish even small defensive mistakes.
Hull also have their own absentees, with Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano, Elliot Matazo, Darko Gyabi and Charlie Hughes among those unavailable. Matt Crooks is doubtful.
Prediction
Prediction: Hull City 1-1 Aston Villa.
