I had been offered several ideas for this article especially as it is a Valentine’s Day fixture. Do I attempt a poem or sonnet to show my love for my football team? I think not, does Hull City AFC really deserve that sort of effort in a one-sided relationship, often highly infuriating and often with no reply. As a supporter in my mid-20s, I can’t say that I’ve been “stood-up” when the gates were locked at Boothferry Park. Nor have I endured long cold away trips when at the foot of Division Three. The best description of devotion to our club is the widely known Elvis song “I can’t help falling in Love with you” (also covered by Andy Williams & UB40).

Wise Men (usually) Say defences win championships. Since Liam Rosenior took charge of the Tigers a shift was made from a leaky defence which had just one clean sheet to a side which has only conceded five since the World Cup and three straight shutouts. Defensive individual faults have been cut down but is still a fear for many City fans. McLoughlin has got a lot of the plaudits since a return to the starting XI but Alfie Jones also deserves a heap of praise for his defensive efforts as well as being able to adapt to Rosenior’s style of play.

Only Fools Rush In to thinking that this team is ready for a promotion push, that is just my opinion of course. The optimism around the club is becoming infectious which is great to see compared to previous years. It has been documented that the squad requires renovation after the remnants from previous stewardships saw disjointed performances. The difference in player quality can sometimes be seen especially under Arveladze. The signing of Connolly is a prime example of the aims of the club. A player with Premier League experience coming in and adding a spark going forward. Tetteh is however the forward which I am most looking forward to seeing back.

But I Can’t Help thinking this game will be far more difficult than recent performances from our hosts would suggest. Norwich still have a smattering of ex-Premier League players. Players which have performed in the top flight and will have ambitions to return there. In a 10th vs 11th clash at this point in the season, I would not have put either team here and certainly with the side in Black and Amber looking the more confident. In the reverse fixture, Óscar Estupiñán scored his first goals for the Tigers in a close win. I expect a similarly tight game with the odd goal in it, the Canaries will of course want to exact revenge.

Falling In Love With You – The Tigers! Only thing I could think to follow it up with although the song is a classic. I think the game will be a bigger test than Stoke on Saturday whether our beloved team can rise to the challenge will be seen. Much like yourself, I might be regularly frustrated and inpatient with the club but forever love Hull City.

Predicted XI: Ingram; Christie, A. Jones, McLoughlin, Elder; Tufan, Woods, Seri, Slater; Tetteh, Estupiñán.

Predicted Scoreline: Norwich 0-1 Hull City

Don’t forget to tune into Beverley FM Sport Saturday from 2pm and Thursday at 6pm!