Hull City Prepare for Unbeaten Everton at MKM Stadium

Hull City return to home action against Everton at the MKM Stadium on Sunday at 14:00 BST, aiming to recover from their first league defeat of the season. Sergej Jakirovic's side face an unbeaten Everton team managed by David Moyes, with both clubs looking to maintain their strong early-season positions in the Premier League.

Hull sit eighth after losing 2-1 to Newcastle United before the international break, while Everton occupy seventh, according to BBC Sport. Everton have recorded four wins and three draws across all competitions, and their league campaign has included a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town before the break.

Hull's defeat at Newcastle followed two early goals from Joe Willock and Lewis Hall. Mohamed-Ali Cho scored in the second half, but the Tigers could not complete their recovery. Despite that setback, their opening results have included a 2-0 win over Manchester United, a 1-0 victory against Coventry City and draws against Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Jakirovic expects Everton's tactical discipline and experience to make the contest difficult. The Hull manager also faces decisions over player fitness after an international break that saw several senior players travel for national-team duty.

"I have a few doubts because some players lack energy. It is normal and it is mental. Sometimes it is normal fatigue.

It is my responsibility I have to try to choose the right one. It is a long break. We had 10 [senior] players in the building.

A lot on international duties: thank God they come back healthy. We have not played one month at home, so it is always a great opportunity on Sunday. Of course, we have a lot of space for improvement.

We are doing this every day, so we are trying. Sometimes a small mistake at this level is a goal. [Everton are] still unbeaten. It is very difficult to stay unbeaten.

I think they're very pragmatic, they have high tactical discipline. Good players, international players of England. Also, Jack Grealish is there.

Maybe he can be the difference at any time. They have experience at this level. I am expecting a difficult game on Sunday, but they also have pros and cons, so we will try to use these cons," said Jakirovic.

Hull have received a boost with Tim Iroegbunam, Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Morita returning to training and becoming available for selection, according to Hayters. Matt Targett, however, will miss the match after twisting his ankle during training. Striker Iliad Ansah also remains sidelined but could resume training soon.

Jakirovic must still assess how well his squad has recovered from international commitments before finalizing his lineup. The three returning players provide additional options, although Targett's absence creates a defensive selection concern.

Everton also have several decisions to make, particularly on the wings. According to ReadEverton, Jack Grealish and Tyrique George are competing for the left-sided attacking role, while Brennan Johnson and Tyler Dibling are candidates on the right. Thierno Barry is expected to lead the attack, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall operating behind him.

Grealish offers close control in tight spaces, while George brings direct running and has already scored in the Premier League this season. Johnson is known for runs beyond opposing defenses, whereas Dibling provides a different approach by carrying the ball forward. George can also operate on the right, giving Moyes additional flexibility.

Everton's defensive selection could depend on Vitaliy Mykolenko's fitness. Moyes said the left-back had a chance of returning for the match, with an additional day potentially helping his recovery.

"He's got a chance for Sunday. The extra day might help," said Moyes.

If Mykolenko cannot play, James Garner is an alternative at left-back, although moving him from midfield would require another adjustment. Everton entered the weekend with nine points from five league matches, according to ReadEverton.

Defensive stability has been another strength for Moyes' side. BBC Sport reports that Jarrad Branthwaite leads the Premier League in blocks with 11, while James Tarkowski has won 83% of his duels among players who have contested at least 15. Tarkowski has also recorded 11 tackles, 14 interceptions, one goal and one assist.

Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong has covered 60.4 kilometers, the highest distance recorded by a player in the league at the time of BBC Sport's report. The club also faces uncertainty away from the pitch after its potential sale was confirmed on Friday, although its performances have remained competitive.

Jakirovic will seek to preserve Hull's compact defensive approach and exploit opportunities against Everton, while Moyes must settle his attacking combinations and determine whether Mykolenko is fit to return. Kickoff at the MKM Stadium is scheduled for 14:00 BST on Sunday.