Walter's Hull City XI Exposed: The Shocking Choices That Could Make or Break Their Season

Hull City are set to return to action on Sunday afternoon with a high-stakes clash against Sunderland, marking the beginning of a testing six-game run that will make or break their season. As the Tigers prepare to face off against the Black Cats, manager Tim Walter is faced with a series of tricky selection calls that could have a profound impact on the outcome of their campaign.

With a number of key players vying for a spot in the starting XI, Walter must carefully weigh his options and make some difficult decisions in order to field the most competitive team possible. So, who should make the cut and who should be left out in the cold?

One of the most pressing concerns for Walter is the goalkeeping situation. With both David Button and Matt Ingram vying for the number one jersey, the German tactician must decide which of the two shot-stoppers has what it takes to marshal the Tigers' defense.

Button has been the preferred choice of late, but Ingram's impressive performances in training have thrown his name into the mix. Walter will need to decide which of the two goalkeepers has the most to offer in terms of leadership and shot-stopping ability.

Further up the pitch, the Tigers have a plethora of attacking options at their disposal. Benjamin Tetteh has been in scintillating form of late, netting multiple goals in Hull City's last few outings. Will Keane has also been churning out the goals, with his physicality and finishing ability making him a handful for opposing defenders to deal with.

And then there's the conundrum of where to play Ryan Longman. The talented youngster has been deployed in a variety of roles, from out-and-out striker to attacking midfielder. Walter must decide where Longman can have the most impact and what position will allow him to flourish.

In midfield, the experienced heads of Greg Docherty and Regan Slater will no doubt be included in the starting XI. The duo have provided a sense of calm and composure in the middle of the park, breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball effectively to their teammates.

However, the left-back position remains up for grabs. Alfie Jones and Sean McLoughlin have both been used in the role, but neither player has managed to stake a convincing claim for the position. Walter may need to look elsewhere in order to find the right man for the job.

As the Tigers gear up for their clash with Sunderland, Walter's team selection will be scrutinized more closely than ever. Will he make the right calls and guide his team to a much-needed victory, or will the Tigers be left to rue their mistakes on the pitch? Only time will tell.