Sports Mole sizes up Hull City ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Following their promotion from the Championship, Sports Mole sizes up Hull City ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

In:

George Boyd (Peterborough United, Free), Curtis Davies (Birmingham City, Undisclosed), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan Athletic, Free), Allan McGregor (Besiktas, £1.8m), Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland, £2m), Steve Harper (Newcastle United, Free)

Out:

Sonny Bradley (Portsmouth, Free), Mark Cullen (Luton Town, Free), Andy Dawson (Scunthorpe United, Free), Danny East (Portsmouth, Free), Jamie Devit (Released), Paul McKenna (Released), Seyi Olofinjana (Released), Jay Simpson (Released), Tom Cairney (Blackburn Rovers, Loan), Corry Evans (Blackburn Rovers, Undisclosed)

Last Season: Second (Championship)

Manager: Steve Bruce

Three key players:

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Maynor Figueroa - The Honduran joined Hull in the summer having tasted relegation with Wigan Athletic last season, but his experience in the top flight could be important to his new employers. A diligent worker at the back, his versatility in defence will come in handy during what is expected to be a tough campaign for the Tigers. He is as comfortable at centre-back as he is on the flanks and will show no fear bombing forward when needed.

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Robert Koren - A tricky midfielder with an eye for goal, Hull's captain knows what the Premier League is all about. At 32 years of age the Slovenian is not getting any younger, but his 42 appearances in all competitions last season shows that his fitness is certainly not lacking. There will be pressure on the veteran's shoulders during the campaign, though he has played enough top-flight football to guide his teammates along the way.

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Sone Aluko - The young forward last played a competitive game for Hull in January due to a lengthy absence with an Achilles injury, but if he can maintain his fitness then his goals will be valuable for the club. With pace to burn and a direct style that can terrorise the sturdiest of defences, Aluko is also no stranger to finding the net from free kicks with his sharp shooting.

First game: Chelsea (A), Complete fixture list

Sports Mole says: Hull should be under no illusions that this season will be a fair old slog. Tipped by many to go straight back down to the Championship, they will be eager to make themselves tough to beat at the KC Stadium if they are to secure their survival. Steve Bruce is well aware of how tough the top flight is, but beefing up the squad in the summer transfer window could give the team a fighting chance.

Predicted finish: 19th

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