Despite collecting just four points from as many matches, Stoke have managed to retain their grip of a place in the playoffs after eight matches.
Michael O’Neill would have taken that scenario at the beginning of the season, but the Northern Irishman will now expect the Potters to kick on over the coming months.
Stoke have competition in all areas of the pitch, something which was proven on Tuesday evening as they recorded a 3-1 victory away at Watford in the EFL Cup third round.
Improvements need to be made in defence with five matches having passed by without a clean sheet, but the pending return of Tyrese Campbell will give this squad a considerable lift.
Stoke are one of five teams who still remain unbeaten at home in the Championship, their three victories all coming by a one-goal margin.
As far as Hull are concerned, Grant McCann will be content with the Tigers returning four points from as many games on the road this season.
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However, eight matches have now passed by in all competitions without a win, heaping the pressure on a manager who guided this club to promotion during 2020-21.
Goals have been the main issue for Hull with Keane Lewis-Potter’s consolation effort against Sheffield United ending his team’s 10-hour-plus wait to find the back of the net.
Conceding 12 goals from eight matches is not the worst record for a club in Hull’s position, but their fortunes will not change unless they find some form in the final third.
