Hull FC vs York Knights Prediction: Martin to get off the mark in home victory

Hull FC host Betfred Super League new boys York Knights on Friday night at the MKM Stadium (20:00 GMT, Sky Sports+), with the Black and Whites licking their wounds from a bruising Round 2 defeat at Wigan.

John Cartwright's side were heavily beaten by the Warriors and picked up injuries to two key men, while the Knights arrive fresh from a tough night of their own in Leeds. Here are my Hull FC vs York Knights predictions, the latest team news and Betfred's match odds.

Team News

It proved a costly night at Wigan for Hull FC, who have mounting concerns just two matches into the new Betfred Super League campaign. The 34-6 defeat was bad enough, but there were big setbacks for key men Will Pryce and Joe Batchelor too.

The latter - a close-season signing from St Helens, has a calf injury that will likely keep the back rower out until the middle of April. But the most devastating news came for Pryce, whom Hull brought back from the NRL. The star full-back has been confirmed to have torn his ACL last weekend and will not play again this season, a huge setback for both player and club.

Those problems are at least somewhat tempered this week by the timely returns of three players. Former Man of Steel Zak Hardaker is named in the initial squad, and if the veteran is fit to start after a dead leg then he would seem an obvious choice to take Pryce's place at full-back, although Davy Litten may well play there too.

Jake Arthur is also named and could make his debut, while forward John Asiata is included too - both have been sidelined with hamstring injuries. If all three are fit to play then that represents a huge boost for the home side.

So there are four changes for Hull from last week, with Pryce and Batchelor dropping out along with Logan Moy and Lloyd Kemp. Asiata, Hardaker, Arthur and Will Kirby are the four to come in.

York were brought crashing back down to earth after their glorious debut Super League win over Hull KR, as they were thumped 46-14 at AMT Headingley.

Head coach Mark Applegarth makes two changes for the trip to the MKM Stadium.

John Sagaga and centre Kieran Buchanan drop out of the squad, with loan signings Myles Harrison and former NRL star David Nofoaluma taking their places.

On-loan hooker Denive Balmforth is free to play against his former club.

Hull FC vs York Knights Odds

Is a 2/11 bet about the Airlie Birds winning against the promoted Knights, making a home win an implied 84.6% probability. York are 4/1 to complete a Hull double, with the draw available at 18/1.

Hull give up a 16.5-point start on the two-way handicap, with the Black and Whites 20/21 to overcome the gap. The Knights are 5/6 to make the most of the three-score advantage.

Handicap 3-way: Hull FC -16 @ 20/21

Both of these teams suffered heavy defeats last week and the respective responses will be fascinating. Hull simply had no answer to the speed and flair of Wigan in a contest I expected to be way closer than it was.

York, on the other hand, were unable to reproduce the spirit that saw them stun KR, and were completely overrun at a vibrant Headingley. They will need to be much, much better to make a game of it this week.

The loss of Pryce for the home side is cruel, with the dazzling full-back now facing a lengthy spell out of the game. It is very timely, therefore, that Asiata and Hardaker are nearing full fitness given what has happened to Pryce and Batchelor.

I'm anticipating way more from Hull FC this week than they have shown so far, even given the injury news detailed. York will have to rethink their strategy from the Leeds game, where they were just unable to soak up the pressure and build any of their own.

The handicap is 16, which gives plenty of food for thought. I felt York would be far more stubborn last week, sided with the Knights on the handicap and ended up with egg on my face. Much this week will depend on Hull's team selection - because if Asiata, Hardaker and Arthur play then I can see Hull cutting loose. If not, then York may have some joy.

Hull have won their last 15 meetings with York and I am backing them to make it 16, although you can probably take that head-to-head record with a large pinch of salt given this will be the first ever Betfred Super League meeting between the two.

It's a home win for me, and although I'm not hugely confident of the handicap  - especially given Hull's wretched home form last year - I am going to trust it this week.

Lewis Martin Anytime Tryscorer @ 1/3

Last season’s top tryscorer is yet to get going in this year’s Betfred Super League season, but this should be the night that changes.

Rising star Lewis Martin touched down a remarkable 25 times in last year’s 27 regular rounds.

2026 has proved a slightly tougher nut to crack so far, and a hip injury hasn’t helped.

But my money is on Martin to find his feet against the Knights.

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