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Everton boss Ronald Koeman expects Hull City to pose tough challenge

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13:  Ronald Koeman, Manager of Everton applauds the fans following his team's 2-1 victory during the Premier League match bet
Image: Everton boss Ronald Koeman is looking to build on the win at Leicester

Ronald Koeman expects Hull City will provide Everton with a stern test when they meet in the Premier League on Friday Night Football.

Hull go into the fixture sitting bottom of the table, having won just one of their last 16 Premier League games and they are on a run of three successive defeats.

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However, Koeman was impressed by what he saw from the Tigers in their defeats to West Ham and Manchester City, although he accepts his side are favourites for the game at the KCOM Stadium.

"Yes, but that's the most dangerous thing you can do in football, because we know the Premier League is unpredictable," the Everton manager said.

"Maybe you expect a win, and then it will be totally different.

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Highlights from Manchester City's 3-0 win over Hull.

"I don't look to the classification, the position in the table, because I watched Hull against Manchester City. After 70 minutes it was still 0-0 and City were not creating a lot of chances.

"Also, Hull lost the game at West Ham 1-0 but they were the better team and hit the post several times.

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"So don't focus on positions in the table. It's a tough one, a difficult one and we need to be at our best to get a good result."

Kevin Mirallas celebrates his goal for Everton against Leicester
Image: Kevin Mirallas celebrates his goal for Everton against Leicester

Everton are seventh in the league after their 2-0 victory at Leicester on Boxing Day - their first away win since September which also halted a run of four straight defeats on the road.

Koeman has no doubt how important that was for his players ahead of the Hull match, in which he wants them to go about their work the same way as they did in the second half on Monday when they scored both goals.

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HIghlights from Everton's 2-0 win over Leicester.

"Of course, it's always difficult if you're not winning away or you don't have those kind of performances to be happy - then you need to break it," Koeman said.

"The win was good - the way we played in the second half, the way we controlled the game. We need the same attitude on Friday."

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