Hull City's predicted starting XI for Boxing Day as Ruben Selles faces dilemma
Mason Burstow's impressive impact off the bench in winning the game for Hull City on Saturday against Swansea City has handed Ruben Selles a welcome selection headache for the Boxing Day trip to Preston North End.
Burstow curled in a delightful effort to cap a deserved victory for the Tigers and end their longest run without a victory since 2002, in a result which lifted City off the bottom of the Championship and out of the bottom three in time for Christmas.
The former Chelsea youngster replaced Abu Kamara just after the hour mark at the MKM Stadium and almost had an immediate impact, seeing his header saved by Swans goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux before he curled in the winner and then teed up Ryan Longman seconds later to hit the post.
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His performance in the second period must surely see him come into contention for just a third start of the season, playing off the left flank.
Burstow has been largely used as an impact sub off the bench, but he will be keen to turn that around, but he hopes that will turn in his favour, particularly if he keeps popping up with crucial goals.
"It's competitive side," the youngster said. "Obviously, I'd like to start every game I possibly can, but if I don't, I've just got to come and impact it like I did. Confidence is what we need as a team at the minute, and hopefully, the win has given us enough to go and win the next one. It's a goal for the group, really. There was a lot of relief in the changing room, and hopefully, we can build some momentum."
Elsewhere, Gustavo Puerta impressed on his return to the side in the absence of the injured Kasey Palmer and will likely keep his place. Xavier Simons returned from injury to come off the bench to deliver a solid display in the second period, and he's pushing for a return, as is Cody Drameh, who replaced skipper Lewie Coyle in the second half.
Selles will be keen to manage his group carefully, with another game to come against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday afternoon, and that could necessitate further changes.
City's predicted starting XI: Pandur, Giles, Jones, Hughes, Coyle, Alzate, Slater, Puerta, Pedro, Burstow, Longman.
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