Image source, Rex Features

Villa launch a couple of hopeful balls into the Hull area.

John Terry is the target for one from a free-kick but fails to get in under control and the chance goes begging.

In case you missed it earlier, my prediction for this Championship season is that these two will be the top two, in the same order as our vote this afternoon.

I might well revise that after this game's evidence, but hey, there's still 45 games to play after today.

Image source, Rex Features

Preston registered a narrow win over Sheffield Wednesday thanks to Daniel Johnson's penalty.

Preston boss Alex Neil told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I'm delighted. The players did great and we were better than Sheffield Wednesday in every single aspect.

"The players applied themselves really well and the guys who came off the bench had a real impact too. The lads got what they deserved today.

"You're hoping that the goal is going to come when you have that amount of pressure. thankfully for us we had enough chances that we managed to convert one.

"It's crucial to get a good start to the season. I think notoriously we have not started seasons well."

Hull City may well have dominated the second half but a whopping 81% of you are predicting that Aston Villa will finish higher in the Championship table this season.

Thanks to everyone who voted.

It's Hull who make the first change as David Meyler comes on to replace Fraizer Campbell.

Villa also make a change of their own as Andre Green comes on for Leandro Bacuna.

Hull keep pressing and force Villa to play it across the back inside their own half.

Steve Bruce looks pensive on the sideline and almost as if he's contemplating a couple of changes in personnel.

Image source, Rex Features

Villa look rattled after that Hull goal and it's the Tigers now who look energised.

Once more they sweep forward and Kamil Grosicki nearly threads another good ball in for his side to capitalise on.

Villa scramble it clear and there are some disapproving noises from the home fans.

Villa corner from Neil Taylor is wasted as his delivery goes all the way to the back post and is barely attacked by his team-mates.

Image source, Rex Features

Hour mark arrives and with it a sense of calm once again in this game.

Hull have had more of the ball since the break but haven't really capitalised on it. Villa look more than comfortable to hold them at bay.

Almost a mix up at the back for Villa between Alan Hutton and Sam Johnstone.

Hutton chests a hopeful ball into the area down and nearly knocks it beyond his own keeper.

As Hull City press for an equaliser in the early stages of this second half, it's worth point out that our vote is now closed. We'll bring you the final result shortly.

Speculative effort for Hull from distance from Abel Hernandez.

He had loads of time there as it dropped down to him, but some 40 yards out, his left foot effort swings away harmlessly from goal like a Jimmy Anderson loosener outside off stump.

Image source, Getty Images

Sheffield United marked their return to the Championship with a 1-0 win over Brentford.

Blades boss Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield: "It has been a long old six years for this football club and the fans have stuck with them through some tough times. I have been here quite a few times and witnessed some big games but that atmosphere was right up there.

"We've played a side that have spent the last three years in the top 10 of this division. They're a technical team and they keep the ball really well and we're a bit disappointed with how we've played in possession.

"We had to hang in there a couple of times and the goalkeeper had to make a couple of good saves but we also created some good chances and hit the post twice."

Henri Lansbury is down for Villa receiving some treatment after a meaty clash in midfield with Max Clark.

Lansbury goes off clutching his jaw and looking a bit miffed. Should be back on though in a sec.

Image source, Rex Features

The game opens up a touch in the middle third as both sides keep giving away possession.

Scott Hogan makes a break forward first for Villa and then Alan Hutton snuffs out a Hull advance down the left.

Hull threatening a bit after an early second-half corner, but Villa are on hand to block a few half-chances and speculative shots around the edge of their own area.

Brighter stuff though from the visitors since the break.

Michael Hector with an almost slow motion foul on the edge of the Hull area concedes an early free-kick.

Ball from Neil Taylor floats in and there are appeals for a handball as Scott Hogan clips a ball against Aina's hand.

Nothing doing there and referee Andy Madley waves away appeals.

And we're off again.

Hull chasing an equaliser after a sluggish first half.

Teams are strolling back out of the tunnel and on to the hallowed Villa Park turf.

Not long to go now until the second half starts.