Sheffield Wednesday v Hull City: the opposition view, star man and predicted scoreÂ

Ahead of the match, the Star spoke to Hull Daily Mail football writer Will Jackson to get the lowdown on the Owls' next opponents. 

What can Sheffield Wednesday expect from Hull?

In short Sheffield Wednesday can expect a side full of confidence.

The Tigers have climbed out of the relegation zone and up to within touching distance of the top half after a run of five straight wins in the Championship. Consequently confidence in the City ranks has never been so high under Nigel Adkins, so much so that a promotion charge is being talked of in East Yorkshire.

The head coach has settled on a recognised system to complement the club's most talented attackers Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosicki and over the last two months they have been almost unplayable as a pairing.

While the KCOM Stadium won't be full due to ongoing issues with the club's owners, City have been strong at home of late and demolished Bolton Wanderers 6-0 last time out.

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Who is Hull's star man?

Jarrod Bowen. The 22-year-old has scored seven goals in his last seven games and appears to be in the form of this career at present.

Wednesday ought to be more than wary of the speed he possesses on the break and he has played a pivotal role in the club's recent rise.

The winger has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs this month, including Tottenham Hotspur.

Are there any key absences in the Hull team?

Jackson Irvine is the obvious one. The Australian is currently away with his national team at the Asian Cup and is not expected back in the City side until February.

Fraizer Campbell has missed the club's last three games through injury and it remains to be seen whether he will be considered fit enough to be involved on Saturday.

Elsewhere, City are without Tommy Elphick after Aston Villa decided to recall the defender from his loan spell at the KCOM Stadium.  

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One player to watch in the Hull squad

Trying to stop both Bowen and Grosicki has proven a thankless task of late.

While Bowen is undoubtedly the club's most valuable prospect, Grosicki has been just as lethal on the opposite flank this season.

The Pole came close to leaving the club in summer after an inconsistent season but Nigel Adkins seems to have Grosicki replicating something close to his best form on an almost weekly basis this time around. 

Score prediction

Hull City 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday

I know Owls have seen an upturn in results of late since parting ways with Jos Luhukay, but I feel on current form the Tigers will have too much for their visitors on Saturday.