Tuesday 23 August 2016 14:45, UK
Caretaker boss Mike Phelan plans to keep Hull's momentum going in the EFL Cup tie at Exeter by keeping changes to a minimum.
Phelan accepts he has little room for manoeuvre in Devon with only the return of Harry Maguire possibly adding to the 13 senior players he had available for Saturday's 2-0 win at Swansea.
But Phelan says he does not want to upset the rhythm that the Tigers have established by winning their opening two Premier League games since promotion.
"Everybody's going to Exeter," said Phelan. "I think it's important as we're in a bit of a groove that they all keep this momentum of togetherness.
"At this moment everyone's happy with the performances and they all want to play. There will be a couple of changes, but I won't mix it up too much because I know we're in a good groove."
Phelan's options are so limited that he joked reserve-team goalkeeper Dusan Kuciak could be handed an unusual role against their struggling League Two opponents.
But youngsters Josh Tymon, Greg Olley, Josh Clackstone, Jarrod Bowen and Greg Luer were all on the bench at Swansea and some of them could feature in Devon.
"We could give Dusan a game outfield," said Phelan. "But we have younger players who really fancy their chances and want to get in to a winning team.
"There will be an opportunity for one or two of the young players because we have a few talented ones in there.
"And it's better to come in to a winning team than one that's not. We will be a scalp now and Exeter haven't done too bad in the cups in previous years.
"But we go there with one eye on Manchester United on Saturday because that's a big one at home."
Hull have just over a week to strengthen their injury-hit squad before the transfer window closes on August 31.
And Phelan added: "After the United game most of my players - about 10 of them - go away on international duty which is always a fingers crossed job that you get them back. Hopefully by then the squad will be bigger."
