Will Friday be the night City earn their first win of the Tim Walter era?

Hull City boss Tim Walter will almost certainly make changes to his side for Friday night’s trip to Stoke City in a bid to spark a revival in fortunes.

City are winless under Walter and slipped into the bottom three last weekend after their defeat to Sheffield United, leaving them to reflect on a poor start to the season, and the German boss knows he must improve, and quickly.

Walter made a double change ahead of that 2-0 loss against the Blades, bringing in new signings Mohamed Belloumi and Abu Kamara, and based on the fact he withdrew Kamara at the break, his selection didn’t go as planned.

Belloumi also played a key role in the opening United goal, when he was overpowered with ease 20 yards from the Blades’ goal, with Callum O’Hare racing forwards to set up Gustavo Hamer to slot in the opener.

Regan Slater and Liam Millar both made way for the two deadline day arrivals, but it’s likely both will return at the bet365 Stadium while Walter’s decision to play Fin Burns in midfield backfired, so it would be a surprise if that error was repeated in the Potteries, though Slater is a potential doubt.

The big decision will surround who gets the nod on the flanks with Millar almost certain to return on the left, which could enable Kamara to play on his favoured right – he started on the left against United – or he may stick with Belloumi on the right. Kasey Palmer also impressed in his second half cameo and must surely be edging towards his first start.

Walter’s other change may come at the back. Along with Kamara, Ryan Giles was hauled off at the interval with Cody Drameh coming on in his place, and that may be something Walter continues with on Friday night.

Carl Rushworth is back from the injury which kept him out of the Blades’ visit but Charlie Hughes will be unavailable after undergoing Appendix surgery this week, and there will be no place in the squad for injured trip Ryan Longman, Dogukan Sinik or Andy Smith.