Spare a thought for Mike Phelan.

Already the Hull City caretaker manager seems to be unfurling the white flag, even before Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez get their first run at his patched-up defence.

The first Dugout Discussion of the Premier League season could witness one of the most one-sided opening fixtures in memory.

Champions Leicester turn up at the KCOM Stadium off the back of the FA Community Shield defeat to Manchester United but surely still brimming with confidence and optimism following the triumphant campaign.

Certainly they bring plenty of talent and pace – heightened by the presence of Ahmed Musa and Demarai Gray on their teamsheet. That might just prove too much, even for a spirited Hull City showing.

Stranger things have happened, though. Just ask Claudio Ranieri.