admin“We’ll go there sure, they have got some key strength in the team but we already know their weak points “- Hull City players handed Derby County warning as coach reveals motorway preparation
Hull City will head to Pride Park on Tuesday night determined to end a near-decade-long wait for a victory there — and to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Assistant manager Dean Holden insists the Tigers are fully aware of the challenges posed by Derby County, especially on their home turf, but says his side will travel to the East Midlands full of belief after impressive away wins at Birmingham City and Norwich City.
Derby, meanwhile, are flying high after three straight victories, including a 3–1 win at Sheffield United, with Carlton Morris bagging his first career hat-trick. Holden knows his side will have to be at their best to stop a team brimming with confidence.
“We’ll definitely go there full of confidence,” Holden told Hull Live. “We started our prep for this game before Norwich, studying Derby’s shape and style.
They’ve changed their system recently, found a way to win, and have some real strengths — power, pace, aggression, especially with Morris up front. We’ll need to be at our best to get a result.”
Holden praised Derby boss John Eustace and his assistant Keith Downing, calling them “top guys,” but admitted their side’s direct, high-pressure approach will test Hull’s composure from the first whistle.
“They put the ball forward quickly and into difficult areas,” Holden explained. “When we win it back, we have to make sure we play our own game.”
City’s comeback win at Norwich — their first at Carrow Road in 15 years — was a major boost, especially after surviving a tough first half before dominating the second to win 2–0.
Their recent record at Pride Park is poor, with four losses and a draw since 2016, but Holden believes staying true to their identity will be key.
“You can’t get dragged into playing the game your opponent wants,” he said. “We’ve studied Derby closely, identified their weaknesses, and the lads are fully prepared. Every team has flaws — it’s about making sure we take advantage.”
Holden also warned his players not to give away cheap free-kicks, recalling Derby’s set-piece threat that cost them in last season’s meeting when Nat Phillips scored late from Craig Forsyth’s delivery.
“We’ve spoken about it,” he added. “We know their strengths and what not to do. We go through every opponent in detail, so the players know exactly what to expect.”
Holden finished with a light-hearted reflection on John Egan’s audacious attempt from the halfway line at Norwich, which almost caught the goalkeeper off guard.
“It wasn’t planned — we can’t take any credit for it!” he laughed. “But it shows how much freedom the gaffer gives the players to make their own decisions.
We’ve got structure, yes, but also flexibility — and the lads are really enjoying that balance.”
In short, Hull City are ready for a battle — confident, prepared, and eager to make a statement at a ground that hasn’t been kind to them for years.
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