Hull City vs Aston Villa: Hull's perfect start faces Villa test
Hull City welcome Aston Villa for a Premier League Matchweek 3 encounter on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The promoted Tigers have made a flawless start to the campaign, while Villa arrive still searching for their first point after a chastening opening defeat.
Team News and Injury Latest
Hull manager Sergej Jakirović has allayed fears over the quartet of Lewie Coyle, Semi Ajayi, Nobel Mendy and Ryan Giles, who were substituted during the Matchweek 1 win over Manchester United but have since trained fully. Joe Gelhardt (ankle) and Matty Jacob (groin/hip) remain doubts, while Eliot Matazo (knee), Darko Gyabi (groin/hip), Jack Butland (arm), Charlie Hughes (groin), Oscar Zambrano (thigh) and Matt Crooks (thigh) are all ruled out. Oliver McBurnie, Regan Slater and Nobel Mendy have each contributed to Hull’s early-season goals and are expected to start again.
Aston Villa are without the suspended João Gomes, who begins a three-match ban after his debut red card at Brighton. The midfield is further depleted by the long-term absence of Amadou Onana (knee) and injuries to Johan Manzambi (knee) and Brian Madjo (ankle). Leon Bailey is also sidelined, while Tammy Abraham (groin) is a doubt up front. Ross Barkley, who created two chances in a 74‑minute outing last time, and Emiliano Buendía will carry much of the creative burden.
Hull City Form Guide
Hull sit top of the early table with two wins from two. A 2‑0 home victory over Manchester United was followed by a 1‑0 success at fellow promoted side Coventry City, where the Tigers defended resolutely to preserve their clean sheet. The only meeting between these sides last season—in the Championship—ended goalless across both fixtures, but Hull’s current momentum is undeniable.
Aston Villa’s Early Struggles
Villa were thumped 4‑0 at Brighton on the opening weekend, a result that exposed a fragile back line and a midfield missing the steel of the suspended Gomes and the injured Onana. With a teenage front three and a defence that conceded four on the road, the trip to a buoyant Hull side looks a severe test. Villa have not won a Premier League away game since March 2026, and their record against newly promoted teams away from home has been patchy.