---
source: thedugout.football
generated: 2026-09-08T22:34:22.431Z
last_updated: 2026-09-07T15:32:13+00:00
data_provider: API-Football
canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/hull-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaHVsbGRhaWx5bWFpbC5jby51ay9zcG9ydC9mb290YmFsbC9odWxsLWNpdHktcHJlZGljdGVkLXhpLWZhY2UtMTExNDY0MzI
---

# Hull City predicted XI to face Sunderland as Jakirovic set to make cup changes

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 7 Sept
- **Club:** Hull City
- **Original URL:** https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/hull-city-predicted-xi-face-11146432

Of course, City would dearly love to secure progression and build on their positive momentum after making an unbeaten start to their first season back in the Premier League.

However, tonight's tie at the Stadium of Light is about more than just a cup tie. It's an opportunity for Sergej Jakirovic to give some of his new signings some valuable minutes in a black and amber shirt.

The Tigers made six signings on deadline day last week and only two featured in the draw against Aston Villa on Saturday with both Sorba Thomas and Brooke Norton-Cuffy coming off the bench in the second half.

However, it's fair to assume that they'll have some role to play against the Black Cats, barring Ilyas Ansah, who will spend the next six weeks on the sidelines with a back issue. With that in mind, here's how we think the Tigers could line-up tomorrow night.

It's worth noting that Jakirovic went with four at the back in the win over Stoke City in the last round and he might just do the same tomorrow in an effort to get more of his attacking players minutes.

Dillon Phillips looks likely to get the nod once more for the trip up to the north east, while Norton-Cuffy seems the most likely choice at right-back.

Jakirovic has already suggested that Nobel Mendy is likely to play in the game as he strives to build up match fitness and Lucas Herrington looks set to play alongside him in what would be his second start for the club.

Matt Targett seems to be the obvious choice at left-back with Ryan Giles set to be given a break.

Lucas Gourna-Douath could be set to pick up more minutes, with Tim Iroegbunam, who was left out through precaution on Saturday following his pre-season injury, set to come off the bench in the second half to pick up some minutes.

Jens Hjerto-Dahl is crying out for more minutes after hardly being used so far and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Christos Mouzakitis given a run out in a more creative role, in front of the midfield pairing.

Sorba Thomas is one option on the left, even if he doesn't necessarily need the minutes after playing five times for Stoke already this season.

Mohamed-Ali Cho does need game time though and he can expect to feature on the right. Robinio Vaz is the clear striker option, with Oli McBurnie likely to sit this one out.

Joe Gelhardt and Matt Crooks, assuming they are both fit and ready could be involved off the bench alongside the likes of Abdus Omur.

Predicted XI to take on Sunderland: Phillips; Norton-Cuffy, Herrington, Mendy, Targett; Hjerto-Dahl, Gourna-Douath; Cho, Mouzakitis, Thomas; Vaz.